Early in the Clone Wars, the Separatist droid army was often led into war by analytically minded tactical droids. Before long, the Republic was able to outmaneuver the tactical droids by exploiting their reliance on precise calculation and lack of imagination when dealing with the unexpected. Furthermore, the droids were spindly mechanics whose heads could be yanked off and scoured for vital combat data. Super tactical droids, like General Kalani, were an improvement over the standard tactical droid. Kalani's advanced processors and robust frame made him a threat to be reckoned with.
King Sanjay Rash of Onderon allied his world with the Separatists, but his opportunistic reign was rejected by an insurgency that wanted to reinstall the former monarch. Rash, unable to control his people, requested reinforcements from the Separatists and was delivered General Kalani.
Onderon is an ancient world marked by massive walled cities built amid jungle wilderness. Since its monarch allied with the Separatists, the Republic could not legally conduct the war in Onderon's borders.
Saw Gerrera was a warrior within the Onderon rebellion. He was captured by King Rash, and subjected to electric torture. Kalani demonstrated mechanical mercilessness during the interrogation.
General Tandin was the leader of King Rash's royal armed forces. He cared little for off-worlders, and despised General Kalani's soulless implacability.