The Military Order of Borja y Aragón (OMByA)

La Orden Militar de Borja y Aragón (OMByA), also known as the "The Military Order of Borja y Aragón (OMByA)", or during it's last days the "Knights of the Military Order of Borja y Aragón" was one of the Precursor Groups of the SCP Foundation. The Order was established as a militant Christian order dedicated to hunting witches, demons, and monsters in the XVIth Century Spain and America. Their formation was motivated by the experience of San Francisco de Borja y Aragón with the supernatural specially to combat heresy and protect the faithful from supernatural threats, this was followed by his son Juan de Borja y Castro and perfected by his grandson Francisco de Borja y Aragón.
== History ==
=== Origin of the Order ===
Saint Francis of Borja and Aragon was a famous Maester of the Company of Jesus, during his tenure he secretly pursued paranormal entities against spaniard christdom as he was aware of potential influence of such forces within the Holy See. After his death, his Son Juan Borja went on to pursue his father goals alongside his sons, particulary Francisco, himself annointed in his youth, as both a Knight of the Order of Montesa (formerly a Templar descendant group) and the Order of Santiago to gather anomalous items and knowledge. In 1597 both Juan and Francisco established the Military Order to pursue their family mission. The knights employed a combination of religious rites, exorcisms, and martial prowess (Particulary the Verdadera Destreza Swordskill). They were highly trained in combat, equipped with blessed weapons and relics believed to have protective properties against the supernatural.
=== Colonization of the Americas ===
With the onset of Spanish colonization in the Americas, and the Arrival of Francisco II as the Viceroy of Peru, the Knights of Borja expanded their activities to the New World. They encountered unfamiliar supernatural entities and practices among indigenous populations. The knights adapted their methods, incorporating local knowledge and sometimes syncretizing indigenous rituals with their own Christian practices to combat native supernatural threats. This period saw the order’s practices become more diverse and eclectic.
=== Decline in Influence ===
As the Spanish Empire consolidated its control over the Americas, the political and religious landscape changed. The emphasis on direct supernatural combat diminished, and the order’s relevance began to wane. By the late 18th century, the Knights of Borja had transitioned from active witch-hunting to a more academic role, focusing on the study of occult phenomena and preservation of their historical records. The order had become more of an interest group by the late 19th century, with members primarily engaged in scholarly pursuits, historical preservation, and occasional ceremonial activities. The grand master’s letter reflects a recognition of the decline in the order’s martial capabilities and practical experience with the anomalous.
=== Occult War i and the Birth of the Foundation ===
The hidden conflict/Universal Reestructural event known as Occult War i, intertwined with the Napoleonic Wars, exposed the order’s deficiencies. The encounter with Napoleon’s clockwork soldiers was particularly devastating, leading to significant losses and underscoring the knights' unpreparedness for modern occult warfare. When approached by Her Majesty's Foundation for the Secure Containment of the Paranormal with a proposal for a unified approach to anomaly management, the grand master was skeptical. The vote to merge was not initially in favor of the Knights of Borja. Persuaded, however, by the emphasis on unity and the potential benefits of shared resources and knowledge, the grand master ultimately decided to join the merger. This decision was driven by a desire to give the knights a meaningful role in the fight against the anomalous, despite their decline. The order’s historical knowledge and experience with European and New World supernatural phenomena enriched the SCP Foundation’s understanding and methodologies.
== Organization ==
=== Leadership and High Council ===
At the top of the order was the Grand Master, the supreme leader responsible for the overall strategy, vision, and leadership. The Grand Master directed major campaigns and ensured the order adhered to its mission. Supporting the Grand Master was the Treceavos (Thirteens), a High Council, comprised of senior knights and scholars who made strategic decisions, advised the Grand Master, and handled high-level administrative tasks. The High Council members held titles such as Chancellor, Marshal, and Preceptor, reflecting their responsibilities.
=== Commanders and Senior Knights ===
Below the Treceavos were the Knight Commanders, who led regional chapters or specific divisions within the order. They oversaw operations in their assigned areas, managed local knights, conducted missions, and reported to the High Council. Knight Commanders held titles that often indicated their geographical or functional responsibilities, such as Commander of the East or Commander of the Alto Peru. Senior Knights, experienced members of the order, led smaller units and specialized teams. They were responsible for leading missions, training new recruits, and implementing the order’s strategies and doctrines.
=== Knights and Their Duties ===
The core members of the order were the Knights, tasked with executing missions and maintaining the daily functions of the order. These members engaged in combat, conducted investigations, protected relics, and performed exorcisms. Knights operated in teams and were extensively trained in martial skills, religious rites, and occult knowledge, often following Jesuit principles emphasizing discipline, intellectual rigor, and spiritual fortitude.
=== Squires and Novices ===
At the entry level were the Squires and Novices, who were trainees and apprentices beginning their journey within the order. They assisted knights in missions, learned the order’s ways, and underwent rigorous training programs. Upon demonstrating sufficient skill, knowledge, and dedication, they were promoted to full knights.
=== Specialized Divisions ===
The order had several specialized divisions, each with a specific focus. The Exorcists dealt with demonic possessions and malevolent spirits, while the Relic Guardians protected and managed sacred artifacts and relics. The Witch Hunters tracked and eliminated individuals practicing dark arts, and the Scholars conducted research and documented supernatural occurrences. Lastly, the Inquisitors ensured internal discipline and adherence to the order’s principles.
== Anomalies Discovered and/or Contained ==
* SCP-1261
* SCP-1535
* SCP-2932
* SCP-3288
* SCP-7005 (Peru's Entrance)
* Anomalous Items 281 - 290
Category:Organization
Category:SCP Foundation
Category:Groups