Andrixos Seljukroctonis

Per bend sinister gules and purpure, on a bend sinister dovetailed argent between two double-bitted axes Or a bull's head caboshed palewise sable

Arise Calontir! by Charles of Westermark

Baron Andreas ho Xenos Seljukroctonis, ho Argyroglossa

• ahn-DRIKS-ohs (ahn-DRAY-us hoh ZENN ohs) Sell- juck-rohk-TON-is (hoh AHR gear oh Gloss eh)
• Alternate/former/use names: Andreas, drx (nickname)
• Armorial - http://armorial.calontir.org/Pages/AndSel.htm
• Order of Precedence - https://op.calontir.org/persona.php?p=230

Persona:

• mid 11th century Byzantine. Born on Crete, parents killed by pirates, raised in monastery. Became polyglot, fled to the City, joined Civil Service. Became recruiter, paymaster for Varangian Guard. After political missteps, fled the City for Norway, then to York. Fought at Stamford Bridge, causing death of Harald Hardrada. Fought at Hastings. Led Saxon warriors to the City to join the Guard. Fought at Manzikert.

History in the SCA:

• Timeline:
  • Encountered demo in 1978 in Peoria, IL, attended Jubilee Old English Faire, summers of '80 and '81 Joined at Gnomountain one week after the runestone was placed at Pennsic AS XV
  • Attended First Coronet/Investiture Calontir (my second event) First Crown/Coronation Calontir, First Coronation, Ealdormere, Northshield, First Coronet/Investiture Vindheim
    • Attended every Pennsic since XI
    • Attended SCA XX, XXV, XL, L, West Kingdom L

• Groups and Affiliations:
  • Grimfells, since AS XXXVI
  • Wyvern Cliffe AS XXXIII-XXXVI, Thor's Mountain (Meridies) AS XXXI-XXXIII, Highland Foorde (Atlantia) AS XXVIII-XXXI, Forgotten Sea XXIII-XXVIII, Standing Stones AS XIX-XXIII, Great River (Outlands) AS XIX. Gnomountain AS XV-XIX
  • Squired to Shadan, Apprenticed to Morgana. Released at Elevation to Peerage. Proteges: Ulf Grimhunden, Alisdair McArthur, Hans Niemann Apprentices: Dolan Madoc of Harlech, Seaghda mac Roibeaird Dolan elevated to the Laurel, Hans separated, all others inactive

• Offices:
  • Local Offices: Seneschal Gnomountain, Knight's Marshall Standing Stones, Herald Wyvern Cliffe, Exchequer Grimfells
  • Kingdom Offices: Pennsic Land Agent 1987-1991, Royal Pavilion Committee Chair 1999-2018
  • Other service: Event Steward: Gnomountain (2), Standing Stones (2), Grimfells (3), Lilies War XXV (with Marie Suzanne of Westphalia)

Other Information

http://www.calonsong.org/CalontirSongs/andrixos.htm

Proprietor and Prandioprates, Calontir Trim

A Story from Pennsic 2022

When Valens and Susannah Griffon reigned over fair Calontir, first Royal Pair so named, I took it upon myself to create for the Kingdom a gift, a Royal Standard suitable for carrying into battle. It was six feet long appliquéd heavy duck with gold broadcloth. It depicted the Arms Royal, Falcons, Heartland Crosses, and Crowns, as well as the motto of the realm, Saif Calontir Unig, Calontir Stands Alone. It became the General’s Banner, and has for years been given to a soldier whose strong deeds were noted by the General.

Alas, it was among the great Relics of the Realm lost to the thieves and brigands who stole the Wagon of the Heartlands. At Gulf Wars, General Rhianwen and I mourned the loss of the Banner Ancient, but rejoiced in the new banner that had been sewn in so short of a time to gather new glories. I mentioned my regret that in all my years in harness, I had never been given the honor of wearing the General’s Banner.

Today, I had a good day on the field. I did the scutum bearer’s job. I held the line. I anchored a corner. I gave a fortress from which poles and spears could work. I slew two, but guarded many.

Back at camp, the General recounted the history above, and granted me the right to bear the banner in the next battle. It is a dream fulfilled.

Thank you, Rhianwen. The honor you granted me shall never be forgotten.