Opol Dolysoh
| Opol Dolysoh | |
| Gole of Toor | |
|---|---|
| Reign | 1779-1811 FR |
| Predecessor | Sopoh Dolysoh |
| Successor | Meerō Dolysoh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1761 FR |
| Died | 1815 FR |
| Parents | Mylda and Blos Dolysoh |
Opol Dolysoh /ʌ'pɑl dɑ'liːsə/ was the second Gole of Toor. While he continued to expand the dynasty's influence, his rule was overshadowed by intense power struggles, several assassination attempts and an ultimately unsuccessful coup by his wife, Byskoh. He was succeeded by his son, Meerō.
Murder of Sopoh Dolysoh
When it became known that Sopoh intends to pass on the rule to Bonten's family, his sons became very angry. At that time, Opol's brother Erygmoh died. At his funeral Opol poisoned Sopoh's chalice. According to the legend, he approached Sopoh with two chalices and allowed him to choose one. After they both drank, Opol said: "One cup was poisoned, father. But not to worry. If you are the one who sees Xaewoon and leads his people, surely you have chosen the chalice of life." This was a clever way of not only getting rid of Sopoh, but also directly challenging his claim to visionary and making one's own claim.
It is likely the legend is not true, but might reflect some aspects of how Sopoh died. Specifically, he could have indeed been poisoned.
Founding of Gaskal
Opol proceeded with his father's plans to build a city away from Gaajmas. The city was named Gaskal and became the seat of the Gole.
The war with Negy and death
By this time the Negy became the biggest threat to the Dolysoh dynasty, with Oskodon, a superhero warrior known as the Negy King, expanding his territory beyond Dol. Reacting to this, Opol began a campaign in 1805 FR that lasted for two years. However, Oskodon and his forces were able to not only fight back, but also lay claim to Palas. For the next three years the conflict stalled, but resumed in full force at the end of 1810, this time leading to the displacement of Negy to the south of Dol.
This was not enough for Opol, who wanted Oskodon personally dead. He therefore dedicated himself to the war, while passing on the title of gole to his son Meerō in 1811 FR.
In the next four years, Opol's army was able to capture territories just north of the Negy Chain, forcing most Negy to fall back. In 1815 a key battle at the Uzar mountain saw both Opol and Oskodon die in action. The battle was won by Toor and remaining Oskodon troops were forced to flee into the Konzoh desert, where they most probably perished, as no further records of Oskodon's forces exist.
Legacy
Opol's name might have been mentioned in the Great Lore: according to Porteek, the story of how Opol poisoned Sopoh was mentioned in one of the songs. Opol is conspicuously not mentioned in the Swift Hen. Instead, Byskoh is named as the successor to Sopoh, although she is not considered as part of the True Lineage.
