Max suffers from mysterious seizures that can only be remedied with the drug, Tryptophan. She becomes weak and feverish without it. Tryptophan is a neurotransmitter sometimes used to control seizures. It's hard to come by in Post-Pulse Seattle, forcing Max to get her medicine on the black market or hospital pharmacies. If Tryptophan is unavailable, milk will help stabilize the serotonin levels in her brain. She is one of twelve escapees from Manticore - a covert genetics lab in Gillette, Wyoming. As of this point, not all her "siblings" have been identified. Max and her "siblings" were part of an experiment where scientists were testing recombinant DNA to create an advanced infantry soldier. She was also genetically engineered using feline DNA, which gives her some extraordinary abilities. Some of which, are:   � Enhanced strength, speed and agility � Telescopic and night vision � Hyper-sensitive hearing � Superior mental processing skills � Catlike reflexes/dexterity � Strong lung capacity (can hold her breath for 4+ minutes) Max's feline makeup apparently extends her sleep patterns (she doesn't sleep much) and her mating rituals (she goes into heat 2 or 3 times a year). The night of her escape from Manticore, a woman named Hannah Sukova rescued Max. Max currently holds down a day job with Jam Pony X-Press, a bicycle courier company serving greater Seattle. Max's most cherished piece of property is her motorcycle. Do not go near that bike if you like being in one piece.