Imperial Sovereign Protector's

            This was the most elite order of the Emperor's bodyguards, selected from the main body of the crimson-robed Royal Guard.  They were stationed in small groups throughout the Empire as watchmen over all the palaces and monasteries that Palpatine haunted, as well as Guarding the Emperor.

            Still an elite order, they are now used in the Imperial Dragoon Strike Fleet as the Body Guards of the Command Staff members, with each Command Staff member receiving TWELVE Protectors.  They have knowledge of the force and are clothed in lightweight, yet elaborate ceremonial armor, and armed with unique and exotic weapons.  They are experts at armed and armed combat.  

            The training and testing procedure that each Protector undergoes is elaborate and time consuming; it may take years to qualify, and the waiting list is enormous.  Part of the selection is based on traditional combat fitness, including tests of stamina, strength, dexterity, and the ability to endure pain.  Other tests include mental acuity, reaction time, loyalty, and intelligence.  Once they show exemplary achievement in these matters, the most crucial step is begun.  Unlike all other soldiers of the Empire and Imperial Dragoon Strike Fleet (except Dark Order members and the Grand Admiral's Gom Jabbars), the Sovereign Protectors are taught in the ways of the Dark Side. 

            Tutored in the Force by the Senior Sith of the IDSF Dark Order, they are taught only elementary skills.  So utterly unswerving in their loyalty it is said they can't even perceive any thing that would corrupt them from their service; others say they would kill themselves in an instant if ordered to by their Master.  Whether true or not, that unthinking loyalty will be most useful to them later because those who distinguish themselves here are sometimes selected to become Gom Jabbars; The Grand Admirals personal body guards and assassins.