The Emperor's cane, a Sith artifact, took the shape of a sleek, ebony walking stick. It is most famously associated with its use by Galactic Emperor Palpatine during the latter part of his reign, specifically during the era of the Galactic Civil War.
Centuries prior to the outbreak of the Clone Wars, a cyberneticist operating from a desolate industrial planet within the Outer Rim Territories managed to steal the cane. Upon learning that a Mandalorian clan under the command of Ung Kusp had been commissioned to retrieve the artifact, the cyberneticist offered Jaing and [Durge](/article/durge-legends], who were enemies of Kusp's clan, advanced armor equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and enhanced reflexes in exchange for their protection. Shortly after the augmentations were completed, a Mandalorian assault team breached the scientist's facility and engaged Jaing, Durge, and the scientist's assistant, Nubyl, who was in the form of a defensive cyborg. The trio successfully fought off the attackers until one of them deployed a thermal detonator. Jaing suffered fatal injuries, Durge was rendered unconscious, and Nubyl experienced a critical malfunction.
The Mandalorians reclaimed the cane; however, before they could escape, Durge regained consciousness and, consumed by rage over Jaing's mortal wounds, overpowered the Mandalorian invaders. The scientist reclaimed the cane, and encouraged Durge to exact revenge on the remaining Mandalorians, promising to resurrect Jaing. Consequently, Durge embarked on a mission to hunt down Kusp's clan.
By 1 BBY, the cane had come into the possession of Galactic Emperor Palpatine. Palpatine frequently employed the cane to project an image of frailty, even though he did not always require it for mobility. The influence of the Dark Side, combined with the effects of advanced age, had significantly weakened his physical condition to the point where his movement was genuinely impaired unless he actively drew upon the Force. Palpatine carried the cane with him during his inspection of the second Death Star in the days leading up to the Battle of Endor, and it was present within his throne room.
Six years following his resurrection on Byss, Palpatine wielded a similar cane during an encounter with a recently captured Skywalker on Byss.
The Emperor's cane made its debut appearance in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. According to the reference publication, From Star Wars to Indiana Jones: The Best of the Lucasfilm Archives, the original prop's dimensions were 20×94×3 centimeters.