Imperial Sovereign Protector



Imperial Sovereign Protectors were the most elite cadre of guardsmen in Imperial service. These armored and robed soldiers protected Emperor Palpatine personally. Others were deployed to guard Palpatine's interests throughout the Galaxy, including the Imperial Citadel on Byss, and other palaces and monastaries. A number of Sovereign Protectors were stationed aboard the Star Dreadnaught Eclipse.

Only the best of the elite Emperor's Royal Guard were specially chosen to become Sovereign Protectors. They endured years of selection procedures and training aimed at achieving perfection in soldiering. Extreme standards were set for combat fitness, stamina, strength, dexterity, mental acuity, reaction time, loyalty and intelligence. Finally, each Sovereign Protector would receive rudimentary training to wield the dark side of the Force&mdash;although not enough to provide independence or stoke ambition. The most exceptional Sovereign Protectors were eventually eligible for training as Dark Jedi.

The best known of the Sovereign protectors was the treacherous Royal Guardsman Carnor Jax, promoted to the rank in 11 ABY at the instigation of Imperial Ruling Council member Sarcev Quest. Unbeknownst to Palpatine, Jax and Quest were leading a conspiracy to overthrow him&mdash;Jax, indeed, was an aspirant Sith Lord, trained as the apprentice of Lumiya.