—God-Emperor of Khitai to Conan[source]I am in need of a man such as you. Someone outside the static circles that define Khitai's noble families and their many blood-soaked rivalries.
History
The Fifth Circle,[2] possibly Fifth Circle from Scarlet[1] (see notes) was a noble family of Khitai during the Hyborian Age,[3][4] led by Maltus-Rai, Commander of the Fifth Circle, and whose specialty was deceit through sorcery,[3] and included skilled assassins.[4]
Naru-Li of the Fifth Circle swore to her lord Maltus-Rai to steal back from the Chief Magistrate of Garchall, Uttara Kuru, the Tooth of the Nightstar, a sword and family heirloom. She was captured and forced to participate in the Crucible, where she met Conan of Cimmeria and told him about his quest. After she died, Conan was filled with thirst for vengeance.[2] He won the Crucible but defiled the god of Garchall, and was thus imprisoned. He escaped, went to slay the Chief Magistrate, who offered him the Tooth of the Nightstar and the rulership of Garchall. Conan took the sword, kill the Chief Magistrate, and fled to Khitai,[5] with the intent to complete Naru-Li's quest and return the blade to Maltus-Rai.[6]
After Conan arrived to Paikang and returned the sword to Maltus-Rai, he met with the God-Emperor who was apparently assassinated by Maltus-Rai, and Conan framed for the deed.[3] Conan pursued Maltus-Rai, slew his dozen of Fifth Circle assassins serving as bodyguards, and bested him. The God-Emperor who had feigned his death returned and slew Maltus.[4]Paraphernalia
Weapons
Notes
- In Conan the Barbarian (Vol. 3) #14 (March 18, 2020), Naru-Li presented herself as being "Fifth Circle from Scarlet". The meaning of this introduction is unclear.