Emperor Pilaf is a short imp who desires to take over the world using
the Dragon Balls, having many dreams of ruling the world. His two most
significant henchmen are Shu and Mai. It is implied a couple of times early in the Dragon Ball series
that he has other minions as well, but they are unseen. Pilaf seems to
command considerable disposable resources; in the episode "The Flying Fortress – Vanished!", Colonel Silver characterizes the Pilaf Gang as being "probably some reckless millionaires looking for kicks."
The original base for his forces was his castle in the Mushroom Forest. When Goku turned into a Great Ape and destroyed it, he got a new base which was a flying fortress, which was later shot down by Colonel Silver's troops. One significant thing they later acquire is the Pilaf Machines, which are giant battle robots they use to fight Goku making them a bit closer to Goku's strength in battle.
Before the events of the Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods,
the Pilaf Gang gathered all the Dragon Balls themselves and wished for
youth. They have also apparently become very poor between the events of Dragon Ball and Battle of Gods, as Pilaf says "Our next goal is wealth!" and "I'm sick of living in poverty!" In the film, they appear turned into children[4] and they sneak into Capsule Corporation, where Bulma's
birthday party is held, in order to steal the Dragon Balls. Among the
prizes they each find something to interest them: a plane and castle for
Pilaf, ten years worth of ham for Shu, a diamond for Mai, and finally
all discover the Dragon Balls. However, they are interrupted by Trunks, and then Goten,
whom terrifies them because they believe him to be Goku. Bulma does not
recognize them and invites them to the party as a result. They are also
there when the Z Fighters face the God of DestructionBeerus.
Pilaf, Shu, and Mai using a Dragon Radar to find the Dragon Balls.
Six months later, the Pilaf Gang are scouring for the Dragon Balls again and they encounter Tagoma and Sorbet. They are forced to give them the Dragon Balls so they could revive Frieza. Though Frieza is ultimately revived, fortunately the second wish that Sorbet intended to use to resurrect King Cold, was stolen by Shu who wished for 1,000,000 Zeni making the Pilaf Gang rich in the process which infuriates Sorbet.
