The leader of the royal guard and native military forces of Onderon, General Tandin was a proud patriot devoted to protecting the crown and the sanctity of the Onderonian people. When the planet sided with the Separatists during the Clone Wars, Tandin supported the new king, Sanjay Rash, despite his misgivings of offworld interlopers interfering in Onderonian affairs. The people of Onderon, though, began to reject Rash's rule, and an insurgency began targeting the battle droid forces stationed on the planet. Tandin had difficulty waging war against his own people, and cared little for the military support and tactical advice offered by the emotionless droids sent by the Confederacy to reinforce his defenses.
Tandin swore fealty to King Rash, and his guards protected the monarch from the threats of the insurgency. But as Tandin grew to appreciate the rebel plight, he started to see King Rash in a whole new light.
Tandin ultimately chose to remain loyal to King Dendup, the deposed king of Onderon. Tandin aided the rebel insurgents who rescued Dendup from a public execution, and thus the honorable general became an enemy of the crown.
The planet Onderon is an ancient world with ancient traditions. The walled cities protect citizens from the dangers of the jungle wilderness.
Saw Gerrera was a young rebel captured by the Separatists attempting to rescue King Dendup. Saw survived brutal interrogation at the hands of the Separatists, and Tandin grew to sympathize with his cause.
Tandin loathed General Kalani, the battle droid general and super tactical droid dispatched to Onderon to reinforce King Rash's forces. He hated the droid's cold, emotionless demeanor, and believed Kalani lacked the honor and insight needed to effectively wage war.