During the Clone Wars, which saw conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, Ma-Dok Risto served as a Jedi Order member during that time. Being the Jedi Master of Keer Stenwyt, Risto was present at the Jedi Temple for their one-time Padawan's Knighting Ceremony not long after the beginning of the war in 22 BBY. Following the ceremony, a conversation took place about the Cadesura disaster that had recently occurred on the neutral planet of Cato Neimoidia; after she shared her opinion, Stenwyt looked towards her former Master, at which time Risto nodded to offer reassurance.
Mike Chen's 2022 novel, Brotherhood, was the first appearance of Ma-Dok Risto. The character's name is a tuckerization paying homage to Adam Christopher, a Star Wars author and Chen's friend.