Ashby was born the second child of Albert Blackwood and Violet Blackwood after his elder sister, Rosalie. He was raised by a Noirian Nanny and received tutoring in English, French, and piano from a young age as well as attending Southbridge Pre-Prep School. At age 5 he progressed to Southbridge Prep School. Outside of school, Russell partook in horse riding and dance lessons alongside piano. Ashby also formed a friendship with his second cousin Russell during childhood and the two of them were almost always close until 1995.

Ashby started attending Southbridge School at age 11 and led a group of boys in bullying other students, most notably Ethan Stower.

In 1995, when Ashby was 14, Strelka forces attempted to assassinate the entire Blackwood family. Ashby's sister Rosalie managed to escape with Ashby and the two of them live together on the streets of The City whilst trying to stay hidden. During this time, Ashby learnt to love the sky and the stars as they remained the same as they had done during his childhood and brought him a sense of comfort. A year later, Ashby's sister was murdered. Not knowing what happened to her, Ashby desperately searched for her.

In the 2020s, Ashby in involved in anti-Noirian protest movements and through these meets Ashleigh Stower.