Nephchar Irani was born in Khazalet, the largest nomadic city in the south of the Isilet Ranges. His Human parents were traders, who ran a gambling stall out of a reinforced cart, and saw their Devilborn son's birth as a good omen; they interpreted it that their stall had been blessed by a Devil's luck. He learned to shuffle cards before he could read, and spent most of his youth watching travelers win and lose everything over a few hands. Nephchar showed no interest in the family business but kept close to the gambling tents, drawn more to the noise and company than the coin, and adopted the virtue name "Thrill" as he wanted to live a life like these travelers.
When he came of age, Thrill left the caravan with a pack of other young wanderers and made his way west. The group worked odd jobs to fund their travel, moving from city to city, drinking and spending more than they earned. By the time he reached Cliffsunder, they had split up and the coin had run dry, but by chance met Quentin Togglepocket Whee Quickweasel Witt. The famous Three-Dragon Ante player was looking for Devilborn employees at his new Afterlife Casino, which the devilborn was interested in. Thrill took work as an attendant, handling guests who needed guidance or entertainment.