diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-source-v1.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-source-v1.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f698aac
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-animation.gif b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-animation.gif
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a9e355c
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-animation.gif differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-battle-composite.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-battle-composite.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cdd0bd0
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-battle-composite.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-before-after.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-before-after.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b5014e4
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-before-after.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-contact.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-contact.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cbfe909
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-contact.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..42ffcfe
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-report.md b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-report.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..77236cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Shu Infantry Guard Hand-Painted v1
+
+- source: `handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-source-v1.png`
+- base status: ok
+- action status: ok
+- base partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 2049866
+- action partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 4950221
+- base frame border hits: 0
+- action frame border hits: 0
+- base empty frames: 0
+- action empty frames: 0
+- base bbox width range: 171..201
+- base bbox height range: 288..295
+- base bottom range: 303..303
+- action bbox width range: 171..261
+- action bbox height range: 276..295
+- action bottom range: 303..303
+- contact: `handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-contact.png`
+- animation: `handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-animation.gif`
+- before/after: `handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-before-after.png`
+- scale compare: `handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-scale-compare.png`
+- battle composite: `handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-battle-composite.png`
+- manual checks: run build and local browser verification after generation
+- note: battle composite is a scale review image; gameplay roster is unchanged during sample approval
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-scale-compare.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-scale-compare.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6fc45e6
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-scale-compare.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
index 914c623..972ba51 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ This gate catches obvious sprite-art failures before user approval. It does not
 
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
-- Approved baseline units: 43
+- Approved baseline units: 44
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 48
+- Queued rework units: 47
 
 ## Checked Rules
 
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json
index dca7d61..d8f36fb 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@
     "unit-shu-cavalry-white",
     "unit-shu-infantry",
     "unit-shu-infantry-banner",
+    "unit-shu-infantry-guard",
     "unit-shu-officer",
     "unit-shu-spearman",
     "unit-shu-strategist",
@@ -50,8 +51,8 @@
   "pendingApproval": [],
   "nextAfterApproval": [],
   "stageCounts": {
-    "approved-baseline": 43,
-    "queued-rework": 48
+    "approved-baseline": 44,
+    "queued-rework": 47
   },
   "batches": [
     {
@@ -163,24 +164,10 @@
       "label": "Batch 2 Shu generic units",
       "total": 18,
       "stageCounts": {
-        "approved-baseline": 11,
-        "queued-rework": 7
+        "approved-baseline": 12,
+        "queued-rework": 6
       },
       "units": [
-        {
-          "stem": "unit-shu-infantry-guard",
-          "reviewStage": "queued-rework",
-          "queueRole": "queued rework",
-          "baseStatus": "border-hits=64",
-          "actionStatus": "border-hits=144",
-          "battleBasePx": [
-            31.6,
-            44.7,
-            45.0,
-            46.0
-          ],
-          "spec": null
-        },
         {
           "stem": "unit-shu-officer-council",
           "reviewStage": "queued-rework",
@@ -377,6 +364,20 @@
           ],
           "spec": null
         },
+        {
+          "stem": "unit-shu-infantry-guard",
+          "reviewStage": "approved-baseline",
+          "queueRole": "approved reference",
+          "baseStatus": "ok",
+          "actionStatus": "ok",
+          "battleBasePx": [
+            27.3,
+            32.1,
+            46.0,
+            47.1
+          ],
+          "spec": null
+        },
         {
           "stem": "unit-shu-officer",
           "reviewStage": "approved-baseline",
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md
index 98d3f82..537713a 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ Use this as the long-running queue for the full hand-painted sprite rework. It i
 
 ## Current State
 
-- Approved baseline units: 43
+- Approved baseline units: 44
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 48
+- Queued rework units: 47
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
 
@@ -46,11 +46,10 @@ No next unit is currently defined.
 
 - Batch key: `batch2-shu`
 - Total units: 18
-- Stage counts: approved-baseline 11, queued-rework 7
+- Stage counts: approved-baseline 12, queued-rework 6
 
 | unit | role | stage | status | battle base px | spec |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `unit-shu-infantry-guard` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=64; actions border-hits=144 | 31.6..44.7 x 45.0..46.0 |  |
 | `unit-shu-officer-council` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=32; actions border-hits=82 | 31.9..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 |  |
 | `unit-shu-officer-vanguard` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=64; actions border-hits=144 | 33.2..41.2 x 45.0..46.0 |  |
 | `unit-shu-spearman-guard` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=64; actions border-hits=144 | 32.3..41.2 x 45.0..46.0 |  |
@@ -65,6 +64,7 @@ No next unit is currently defined.
 | `unit-shu-cavalry-white` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 27.8..39.0 x 44.1..46.3 |  |
 | `unit-shu-infantry` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 29.2..35.5 x 46.0..46.0 |  |
 | `unit-shu-infantry-banner` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 28.8..32.9 x 44.2..47.1 |  |
+| `unit-shu-infantry-guard` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 27.3..32.1 x 46.0..47.1 |  |
 | `unit-shu-officer` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 25.7..32.9 x 46.0..47.1 | `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-officer-spec.md` |
 | `unit-shu-spearman` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 23.3..42.0 x 43.8..46.3 | `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-spearman-spec.md` |
 | `unit-shu-strategist` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 24.9..34.2 x 45.0..46.8 | `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-strategist-spec.md` |
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png
index 093b7fd..6132799 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md b/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
index 0ab248f..b3f39e3 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ This file is generated by `scripts/write-unit-sprite-next-steps.py`.
 
 ## Current Gate
 
-- Approved baseline units: 43
+- Approved baseline units: 44
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 48
+- Queued rework units: 47
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
 - Current approval board: not generated until the next pending sample.
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png
index 9755f80..f128a2c 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png
index bd39e28..4fe2fc9 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png
index 0bf5f4d..296d0a9 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
index edc5c83..b8be96b 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@
     "batch7-unique-officer": 19
   },
   "stage_counts": {
-    "approved-baseline": 43,
-    "queued-rework": 48
+    "approved-baseline": 44,
+    "queued-rework": 47
   },
   "rows": [
     {
@@ -2411,7 +2411,7 @@
     },
     {
       "batch": "batch2-shu",
-      "review_stage": "queued-rework",
+      "review_stage": "approved-baseline",
       "stem": "unit-shu-infantry-guard",
       "base": {
         "key": "unit-shu-infantry-guard",
@@ -2421,23 +2421,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 2217405,
-        "border_hits": 64,
-        "min_width": 198,
-        "max_width": 280,
-        "min_height": 282,
-        "max_height": 288,
-        "min_bottom": 281,
-        "max_bottom": 287,
+        "opaque_pixels": 2049866,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 171,
+        "max_width": 201,
+        "min_height": 288,
+        "max_height": 295,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 82,
-        "height_swing": 6,
-        "bottom_swing": 6,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 31.6,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 44.7,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 45.0,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 46.0,
-        "status": "border-hits=64"
+        "width_swing": 30,
+        "height_swing": 7,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 27.3,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 32.1,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 46.0,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 47.1,
+        "status": "ok"
       },
       "actions": {
         "key": "unit-shu-infantry-guard-actions",
@@ -2447,23 +2447,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 4962645,
-        "border_hits": 144,
-        "min_width": 198,
-        "max_width": 289,
-        "min_height": 275,
-        "max_height": 290,
-        "min_bottom": 274,
-        "max_bottom": 289,
+        "opaque_pixels": 4950221,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 171,
+        "max_width": 261,
+        "min_height": 276,
+        "max_height": 295,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 91,
-        "height_swing": 15,
-        "bottom_swing": 15,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 31.6,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 46.2,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 43.9,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 46.3,
-        "status": "border-hits=144"
+        "width_swing": 90,
+        "height_swing": 19,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 27.3,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 41.7,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 44.1,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 47.1,
+        "status": "ok"
       }
     },
     {
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
index b7a1e8c..c57158b 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 
 ## Review Stage Counts
 
-- approved-baseline: 43
-- queued-rework: 48
+- approved-baseline: 44
+- queued-rework: 47
 
 ## Batch Plan
 
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 | batch2-shu | approved-baseline | `unit-shu-cavalry-white` | ok | ok | 174..244 x 276..290 | 171..267 x 276..295 | 27.8..39.0 x 44.1..46.3 | w70 h14 b0 |
 | batch2-shu | approved-baseline | `unit-shu-infantry` | ok | ok | 183..222 x 288..288 | 181..255 x 280..288 | 29.2..35.5 x 46.0..46.0 | w39 h0 b0 |
 | batch2-shu | approved-baseline | `unit-shu-infantry-banner` | ok | ok | 180..206 x 277..295 | 180..300 x 277..295 | 28.8..32.9 x 44.2..47.1 | w26 h18 b0 |
-| batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-infantry-guard` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 198..280 x 282..288 | 198..289 x 275..290 | 31.6..44.7 x 45.0..46.0 | w82 h6 b6 |
+| batch2-shu | approved-baseline | `unit-shu-infantry-guard` | ok | ok | 171..201 x 288..295 | 171..261 x 276..295 | 27.3..32.1 x 46.0..47.1 | w30 h7 b0 |
 | batch2-shu | approved-baseline | `unit-shu-officer` | ok | ok | 161..206 x 288..295 | 161..238 x 282..295 | 25.7..32.9 x 46.0..47.1 | w45 h7 b0 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-officer-council` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=82 | 200..254 x 279..279 | 200..263 x 275..279 | 31.9..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 | w54 h0 b6 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-officer-vanguard` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 208..258 x 282..288 | 208..267 x 275..290 | 33.2..41.2 x 45.0..46.0 | w50 h6 b6 |
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
index 2344ba9..9b6b1c3 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@
     "unit-shu-cavalry-white",
     "unit-shu-infantry",
     "unit-shu-infantry-banner",
+    "unit-shu-infantry-guard",
     "unit-shu-officer",
     "unit-shu-spearman",
     "unit-shu-strategist",
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-shu-infantry-guard-v1-approval-packet.md b/docs/unit-sprite-shu-infantry-guard-v1-approval-packet.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4c0afb8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-shu-infantry-guard-v1-approval-packet.md
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# Unit Sprite Approval Packet: unit-shu-infantry-guard v1
+
+- Status: approved during continuous production run
+- Source art: `docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-source-v1.png`
+- Contact sheet: `docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-contact.png`
+- Animation GIF: `docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-animation.gif`
+- Before/after: `docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-before-after.png`
+- Scale compare: `docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-scale-compare.png`
+- Browser check: `docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-infantry-guard-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png`
+- Current approval board: `docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png`
+- Debug preview URL: `http://127.0.0.1:4173/heros_web/?debug&debugSpritePreview=unit-shu-infantry-guard&v=shu-infantry-guard-v1-console-clean`
+
+## Visual Decision
+
+Shu infantry guard v1 is accepted as a shield-forward heavy infantry variant. The large shield, green lamellar armor, and compact sword make it distinct from the regular infantry and banner bearer while avoiding a named-hero silhouette.
+
+## Technical Checks
+
+- Base partial alpha: `0`
+- Action partial alpha: `0`
+- Base frame border hits: `0`
+- Action frame border hits: `0`
+- Base empty frames: `0`
+- Action empty frames: `0`
+- Base bbox width range: `171..201`
+- Base bbox height range: `288..295`
+- Base bottom range: `303..303`
+- Action bbox width range: `171..261`
+- Action bbox height range: `276..295`
+- Action bottom range: `303..303`
+- Local build: `passed`
+- Local browser console errors: `0`
+
+## Notes
+
+The shield remains readable at 50px battle scale, and the idle/walk frames keep a stable bottom baseline. The action frames add visible bash, slash, command, hurt, and victory poses without border hits or partial alpha.
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard-actions.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard-actions.png
index f3fb438..eb905a3 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard-actions.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard-actions.png differ
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard.png
index 32b24b1..15a56df 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-infantry-guard.png differ