Imperial Guards, also known as the Emperor’s Royal Guards or Red Guards, is a unit made up of bodyguards for the Galactic Emperor in Star Wars. The founder of the Royal Guard is Sheev Palpatine. Imperial Guards wear robes in a distinct red color as well as helmets that conceal their faces. On occasion, they are assigned to protect other members of the Imperial Ruling Council and Darth Vader. In order to be accepted as an Imperial Guard, a member must be of a certain size, strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Imperial Guards use a Blaster Pistol and Force Pike weapons.