- Grew up in South Boston, going exclusively by the nickname Yasha derived from his middle name. He was the first in the family to start and finish a Bachelors degree. Completed it at UMASS Boston, a stone's throw from home (Go, Beacons!)
After he graduated, Max enlisted in the US Army. He gained the nickname of Russki because infantry soldiers are not poets and didn't care that he wasn't Russian.
- Volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection after reaching the rank of Private First Class and was chosen for Special Forces training, where he trained as a Medical Sergeant.
- Had a run-in with the Russian mafia during an off-the-books operation, saw some bizarre stuff and got chased by a bear.
- Was bit by a werewolf during a NATO operation in Norway. His rapid recovery in the military hospital caught the attention of a pack of Norwegian werewolves involved in the NATO operation. Not knowing who bit him, but knowing it had happened on their territory, the pack King felt responsible. With their military ties, the pack negotiated for loaning Max out to the Norwegian special forces as a US spec ops expert. They then integrated him into the pack with the intention of training and preparing him for life as a werewolf.
- Spent some time in Norway with the Norwegian special forces in the far north, operating on Russia's border. He learned the Norwegians' tips and tricks while also sharing what he knew as a Green Beret.
- Was eventually forced to leave the Norwegian pack but was able to connect with a senior officer in the Green Berets who was also a werewolf. They established a mentorship, allowing Max to continue his service without putting his identity as a werewolf at risk.
- He was primarily assigned to operations that did not have heavy combat involvement, but it didn't always go according to plan.
- Realising that he was stuck spinning his wheels, Max decided to leave the military. He knew he couldn't keep going without being able to do the job he went through training for, but also unwilling to risk revealing his status as a werewolf.
- He was honourably discharged in 2019. He started a Masters degree on the military's dime at Boston University.
- He found he had trouble adjusting, the city very different from what he remembered after fifteen years. Keeping his status a secret from his family took its toll too, and he needed a clear break. Max had changed too much from the city he'd left behind.
- He moved to Ridgefield, Colorado, where CU Ridgefield had an English literature programme that matched Boston University.
In Game:
- Joined Pyrite Hollow Pack in February 2020.
- Turned Emily Reyes in May 2020
- Attacked by the vampire Asphodel Malvolia in July 2020
- Started dating Emily Reyes at the end of July 2020
- Left Pyrite Hollow in January 2021
- Enjoying rogue life currently.