Nate Sykes was born in Pittsburgh in 1978. He holds degrees in History, Political Science, Applied Nuclear Technologies, and Electrical Engineering. Nate spent 8 years in the US Navy and then moved to Asheville to work as an Engineer for a digital media replication plant. Nate started playing Magic: the Gathering in 1995 and has been playing ever since. He also enjoys role playing games and board games. In 2007 he and Amanda got married and then opened Hillside Games in Asheville.

Amanda Sykes is an Asheville native and has lived here her whole life. Amanda holds degrees in Graphic Design and Public Relations. Her older brother Stephen introduced her to Magic: The Gathering in 1998. She also enjoys role playing and video games.