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wakandan-flowerz · 1 year

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Enter Neoma

A/N: This is the first fic I wrote for my Vox Machina OC. I fell in love with the show last year. I had been working on this privately and finally thought I’d share. I hope y’all like it!

Also like my old fics, this centers around a black woman

CW: Violence, cursing, character death

Grog obnoxiously yawned as the party walked through the woods on a cool night. ��Are we there yet?” he groaned.

“Obviously not.” Vax said as they kept walking. “Are we even going in the right direction?”

“Of course, we are…” Scanlan said, sounding skeptical of himself as he rotates the map.

“Why did we even let him navigate us?” Percy grumbled.

“I know where we’re going! We should be almost there.” Scanlan said.

“You said that so long ago.” Pike said. “Let me see the map.”

“No way!” Scanlan said, holding his hand out to keep her away.

“Give it here, Scanlan.” Vex sighed, reaching for the map.

“Get back, all of you.” Scanlan said, backing away. He gasped as he tripped over a root of a tree and tumbled down a hill.

“Can we leave him?” Vax sighed.

Vex shook her head and motioned for the group to come along. The group made it safely down the hill with Grog choosing to log roll down. They saw Scanlan laying on the ground, staring off into the distance.

“Are you peeing laying down again?” Grog asked, crawling over.

Scanlan shushed them and motioned for them to get down. The group looked at each other in confusion. “What are you looking at?” Pike asked.

“Ssssh. I’m trying to enjoy the show.” Scanlan said. Percy rolled his eyes and kneeled with Scanlan, looking in the same direction.

“What is it?” Vex asked. Percy pushed his glasses up to see a dark-skinned woman kneeling on a rug with her hands on her knees, mouthing an incantation. She faced the moon, almost a smile on her face.

“A woman, praying.” Percy said.

“I hope she’s praying for a hunk, because I’m about to answer those prayers.” Scanlan said, his mouth spreading into a grin.

“Scanlan!” Pike scolded.

“Wait, hush. You hear that?” Keyleth whispered, clutching her staff. The group stood, attentive as they heard loud footsteps. They watched as a giant in the distance walked toward the woman.

“We should help her.” Vax said.

“Against a giant?!” Keyleth said.

“She could need help.” Percy said, pulling his gun from his holster. The group ran down just as the giant came upon the woman. She looked up at him as he growled at her. The woman stood from her rug, reaching for her sword.

“Is she about to fight him?” Pike exclaimed.

“Looks like it.” Vax said. They watched as the giant was about to swing it’s club at her, only for the woman to dodge it, rolling out of the way. She sprinted, moving her sword to her left hand. The giant turned, searching for her. He grunted in confusion as she ghosted behind him. The woman sliced at his Achilles’, cutting through with her sword like butter. The giant yelled as he was forced to kneel.

“Looks like she’s got it, maybe…” Vex said, shrugging. When the giant reached for her, she ran up his arm, letting out a war cry and slashing the side of his neck. The giant fell to the ground, bleeding out. The woman slid off the giant’s bald head and dusted herself off. She sighed and returned to her things, but froze as she noticed the party staring at her. The woman snarled, flicking the blood off her blade and dropping her foot back to prepare to fight again.

“No, wait hold on!” Vex said, holding her hands out. “We were actually coming to help, but looks like you got him.” She laughed nervously.

The woman’s face softened and she cracked a smile. “Ah, yes. I guess I did.” she said.

“Who are you?” Keyleth said.

“Oh, I’m Neoma…” the woman said.

“Are you from the Inyangi tribe?” Percy asked.

Neoma cocked her head to the side. “I am. You know about us?” she asked.

“Iyanba?” Grog asked.

“Inyangi. A tribe of people who follow the Moon Goddess, Inyanga Ephezulu. But, they aren’t known to stray far from their own.” Pike said.

“Are you lost?” Vex asked.

“No, just wandering. Are you lost?” Neoma asked, curiously.

“No, we’re on our way to the town of C’Alto.” Scanlan said.

“Then you are lost, I fear. I just came from there, it’s that way.” Neoma said, pointing her sword in the opposite direction causing Keyleth to flinch.

“Damn it, Scanlan!” Percy said.

“Give me this!” Vax growled, snatching the map from him.

“I can take you back there if you like.” Neoma said, shrugging.

“Please, if you will.” Vex sighed.

Neoma nodded, smiling. She gathered her things, tucking her sword in the holster behind your back. She led the group through the forest, taking them to the city. “So Inyangis don’t stray? Why are you out here?” Vex asked.

“As I said, I’m wandering. We don’t usually get to see the outside world, so I left.” Neoma said.

“And your people were okay with that?” Percy asked. “From what I learned, your tribe is tight-knit. Only higher members of your society go through pilgrimages. And you don’t look like…”

“My mother and father were leaders of our tribe before they disappeared.” Neoma answered, solemnly.

“Oh, we’re sorry.” Keyleth said.

Neoma shrugged as she kept walking. “It’s been a few years. We still have hope they’ll return. Truthfully, I hope to find them.”

“So, uh…you got a boyfriend back home?” Scanlan asked, scurrying up to get next to Neoma.

Her brows furrowed. “No…”

“So you’re available? Sweet.” Scanlan chuckled.

“No. I am not.” Neoma said. “Well, not for you anyway.”

“What?” He said, raising an eyebrow.

“Us Inyangi choose partners and lovers based on physical and mental abilities. You got your group lost so I can’t say we’d make a match.” she said with a grimace.

“Now that’s just ableist.” Scanlan said, crossing his arms.

“Why? Because you’re dumb.” Vax joked. The group chuckled, following Neoma. An hour later, the woman walked the group through the gates of the city. “Finally.” Vax said.

“God, we can finally rest.” Keyleth sighed.

“We can finally drink!” Grog exclaimed.

“Easy big man!” Vax said.

“Neoma, you know the town…could you put us in the direction of a tavern?” Vex asked. “Join us for a drink as thanks?”

“Sure.” she said, waving them along. Neoma led them to a western corner of the town and walked them into the tavern. Neoma sat with the group, laughing at Grog and Scanlan.

“So where were you headed when we came across you?” Percy asked.

“Wherever I want, really.” Neoma shrugged, running a finger over the rim of her mug. “Sometimes people need help here and there, other times I’m just wandering.”

“So your tribe just let you leave?” Percy asked.

Neoma chuckled. “I didn’t really ask their opinions before I left. They all had their ideas and we closed ranks once my parents didn’t return. One night, I just packed up, left a note, and went on my way.”

“Do you plan on going back?” Percy asked.

Neoma sighed. “I should, I’m supposed to…seeing as I’m next in line to lead. You? Where are you from?”

Percy sighed. “Whitestone…”

“I remember hearing about Whitestone. It was tragic what happened…” Neoma said, looking into Percy’s eyes. She felt a deep sense of grief in Percy. She studied the way his eyes dropped into his glass. “How young were you? When it all happened?”

Percy sighed. “Young enough that the nightmares don’t stop.”

Neoma nodded. “I understand.” An obnoxious laugh from outside and the ring of the bell pulled attention toward the door. The door swung open with a half-elf woman walking in with another crew of people.

“A round for me and my friends!” the woman called out, waving her hand in the air. “Chop chop!”

Neoma looked at her wrist and her eyes widened. “No…”

“Something wrong?” Percy said, watching her stand up. Neoma shuddered, her breath staggered. Her eyes fixated on her wrist, the glint of the thick silver bands with a scripture on them. Her face twisted in agony and confusion.

“Neoma?” Vex asked, looking up at her. She as well as Percy looked in the direction that Neoma was. Entranced, Neoma stalked over to the woman, her steps heavy enough to break the wood of the floor. She stood behind the woman, her body rigid.

“Can I help you, darling?” the half-elf woman chuckled.

“The wristlet…give it to me.” she said in a dark tone.

The woman chuckled along with her party. “Excuse me?”

“Take it off and give it to me…or I pull it off your corpse.” Neoma growled.

“Whoa, hey!” Vax chuckled. “Let’s not do this…” He put a hand on her shoulder. Pike stood up as did the others, rallying behind her.

“The wristlet…now.” she growled. The half-elf woman’s mouth stretched into a wicked grin.

“Or what?” The woman said, reaching behind your back.

“Your options were already given. Choose now.” Neoma snarled.

“Neoma, dear. Let’s not do this.” Vex said, noticing other patrons looking on and glaring.

“You better listen to your friends, sweetheart. You don’t want a scuffle with me.” the woman chuckled.

“I’m going to paint the walls with your blood.” Neoma said as she reached for a gold cylinder on her hip.

“Hey!” the bartender yelled. “You get your arses out of here! No fighting in my bar!”

“Sir, please.” Percy said.

“Out, I said! Out!” the bartender said. “Or else…” the bartender stood up, his head nearly touching the ceiling. Scanlan audibly gulped.

“Yeah, let’s leave.” Scanlan said, nervously.

The half-elf woman snapped her fingers prompting her party to stand. She pointed towards the door, signaling them to leave. “Let’s go. I wouldn’t want to drink around dark trash anyway.”

Neoma’s mouth stretched into a snarl as she started to lunge for the woman. Vax, Vex, and Percy reached holding Neoma back, struggling as she pulled against them. “Grog, help!”

“Huh? Oh!” Grog said. He wrapped his arms around them, lifting them up.

“That’s not what we meant.” Vex said.

“Put me down!” Neoma yelled.

“You lot! Out! Go!” the bartender growled.

Grog carried Vex, Vax, Percy, and Grog out the door of the bar, followed by Scanlan, Keyleth, and Pike. He dropped them on the ground with Neoma landing on her feet and breaking out in a near sprint as they watched the other group disappearing in the dark edge of town. Percy grabbed her belt and yanked her back. “Let go of me, they are getting away!”

“Neoma, stop!” Percy said.

“I said, get off!” Neoma said, spinning around and pushing Percy back. “Stay out of the way!”

“What’s with the gaudy bracelet anyway?” Scanlan growled.

“How dare you?!” Neoma growled at him.

“Neoma, please! Help us understand. Why were you so fixated on the wristlet?” Pike said.

“It was my mother’s!” Neoma cried. Her face contorted in pain as her eyes began to sting. “My mother…she always had that wristlet. It’s been in my family for generations…it belonged to our Goddess. It’s made from the same mineral as my tools. My mother was never without it, never! She never took it off, not even to bathe. It belonged to her, our family!”

“But if that woman is wearing it then…” Keyleth said, solemnly. The party looked at each other in despair, the night air turning cold. They looked back at Neoma whose eyes stared at the ground, teary, and her shoulders shaking.

“Neoma…I’m sorry.” Pike said.

“I’m going to get it back.” Neoma said as she turned away from them and started in the direction the group left in.

“Let us help you!” Vax said.

“What?” Neoma said, turning to look at them in irritation.

“We can help. Let us return the favor for you bringing us to town.” Vax said.

“Taking on a group of vandals in exchange for being a tour guide doesn’t seem equal.” Scanlan said. Vex flicked his ear and gave him a scolding grimace. “But, sure yeah let’s do it.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Neoma said. “This has nothing to do with you.”

“It’d be wrong to let you go off alone. Not that you can’t handle yourself, but you helped us. We can help you.” Percy said, offering his hand to her. Neoma’s brow furrowed. She looked down at his gloved hand and back into his eyes. Her face softened from his sincerity.

“Very well.” she said. “Let’s make haste though.”

With Vax tracking the party, the group came upon the vandals’ hideaway deep in the forest. It appeared to be a cave on the side of a small hill. “How do we know there’s no booby traps?” Scanlan asked.

Vax tossed a throwing knife at the entrance of the cave. A wire snapped causing a large log to swing through the trees in front of the entrance. “What’re the chances it’s the only one?” Pike asked.

“We could send the big guy. He looks sturdy enough.” Neoma said.

“Hey, I’m not turdy!” Grog whined.

“That’s not…nevermind.” Vex said.

The party made it past other traps and through the entrance of the cave. Pike and Keyleth led the way, shining light around the cave. Neoma walked shoulders tight and footsteps light. The group froze in their tracks at the sound of laughter and clattering. Neoma pulled the cylinder from her side and began to crouch and stalk to the source of the sound. Vex followed behind her with her bow and arrow ready. Neoma stuck to one side of the cave while Vex stuck to the other. They both spied two of the vandals. Vex made the first move, tucking the arrow back into her quiver and sneaking behind one vandal to strangle him. Neoma took the next assailant, the cylinder turning into a spear, knocking him unconscious as she swung the heavy handle at him.

“Whoa, that’s…a lot.” Vax said. Neoma collapsed the spear and shrugged.

“We need to keep going.” Neoma said. They carefully crept through the cave coming across a cot and chests of gold and other stolen goods.

“Jackpot!” Grog said. He was hushed by Pike as the others searched through the crates.

“I mean, come on. We might as well make a killing off them.” Scanlan said, picking up a diamond necklace.

“Take what you want…I’m only here for what’s mine.” Neoma said, moving an arch covering and going still. “Sssh.”

The party froze and gathered at the arch. They heard the boisterous laugh of the female half-elf. She stepped into view, tossing a chalice. “I didn’t think we’d get so much off those last lads.”

“Think we should rob the idiots from the bar?” She chuckled.

“No, they’re too witless…that girl though. Seemed familiar.” the woman said.

“Seemed to be really into that wristlet of yours.” the other vandal said.

“Mmm, it looks to be more valuable than I realized…” she said.

“More than you know…” Neoma growled, walking through the arch.

“Oh look!” the woman chuckled. “The dark trash.”

“By the time, we’re finished with you, you’ll be less than trash.” Percy said.

“That one wasn’t very good.” Vex said.

“Not the point…” Percy whispered.

“You don’t want it with me, dear.” the woman said, pulling out a long blade.

“I told you that either you give me the wristlet or I take it.” Neoma said, pulling her sword.

“Come get it.” the half-elf woman snarled.

“Come along men!” the other vandal called out, prompting others to rush the group.

Neoma made the first swing with her sword. The half-elf woman dodged and ran off. Neoma gave chase at full sprint. She pulled her spear, elongating both ends and throwing it in her direction. The elf woman gasped as the spear plunged into the cave wall, tripping over herself. She turned back to look at Neoma who lifted her sword and swung in her direction. The blade landed near her head, slicing through the rock. The half-elf kicked in her stomach, knocking Neoma back. She chuckled. “Maybe, I should take your sword to match my jewelry.” The woman stood, trying to pull her sword from the rock. Neoma stood, grabbing the woman’s hair and throwing her into the wall. Her hands wrapped around her neck, squeezing. The woman reached for an empty bottle, smashing it over Neoma’s head. She fell to the side, letting the woman go. The woman picked up her blade and ran down the hall. Neoma growled, gritting her teeth. She sprinted after the woman at an ungodly pace, throwing her spear in her direction.

Vax kicked the last assailant back. “Should we find Neoma?”

“Would she really even need our help?” Keyleth said. A scream rang out through the cave. The party rushed down the hall, sprinting in the direction that Neoma took.

The woman staggered back, holding her ribs and coughing blood. She weakly held her blade up to defend herself as Neoma stalked closer, holding both the sword and spear. Her tattoos began to glow as did her eyes. She began to speak in a language unknown, causing the engravings in her sword to glow. “Wait, please…” the woman pleaded.

“Beg your gods when I send you to them.” Neoma said, her voice deep and echoing. She swung her sword, colliding with the half-elf’s blade. She thrust her spear into her thigh, causing her to scream out. The point of it, piercing flesh and splintering the bone. Neoma headbutted her, knocking her back into the wall of the cave. Her eyes shined brighter as she lifted her palm. The woman groaned as her wrist lifted. The bangle began to ring and the scripture began to glow. Neoma stretched out her wrist, letting the wristlet come to her. He slid on her wrist perfectly and began to hum.

“You got what you want…let me live.” the woman said. “Take the loot, if you want. Just leave me.”

Neoma’s eyes continued to glow, she stood unphased. She lifted her sword and came down with a single swipe. The sound of the woman’s skull splitting echoed off the walls. The woman let out a single gargle then a whispery sigh. Neoma turned to look back at the members of Vox Machina. The glow of her skin and eyes darkened, and her shoulders dropped after yanking her sword from the now corpse.

“Got yours?” Percy asked.

“Yeah.” Neoma said, flicking her sword to remove the blood and matter. She slipped her sword into the sheath on her back. She pulled her spear and collapsed it, tucking it back to her side. She glared at her wrist with a soft, yet sad smile. Once out of the cave, Vox Machina and their guest convened.

“So you got your mother’s jewelry back.” Vex said.

“It’s more than jewelry. It’s a piece of our Goddess, our culture.” Neoma said. “It’s one of the last pieces of my parents…”

“You aren’t going to go looking for answers?” Percy asked.

“In my culture, we learn to accept what’s made clear. We don’t dwell in uncertainty.” Neoma said. “I may never know what exactly happened to my parents. When you found me, that was probably the millionth time I prayed to Inyanga for answers, for clarity. This may not be the answer I want…but this allows me to grieve, in the best way I can.”

“I’m sure it’s not going to be easy.” Vax said.

“No, it won’t…but no journey Inyanga ever gives is, which makes it all the more meaningful. I truly thank you all. You had no reason to help me and yet you did. If you ever need a favor and we cross paths again…” Neoma started.

“Actually…” Percy said. The rest of the crew turned to him, curiously. “Why don’t you come along with us? You aren’t going back home anytime soon. And while things can get a bit crowded…we could use another person.”

“Oh?” Neoma said.

“I mean, you can clearly hold your own and whatever magic you have could be great in a pinch. Why not?” Vex said.

“As long as you can drink!” Grog exclaimed.

“Hey, what’s the harm in adding another member to the crazy crew?” Vax said.

“It would be kind of nice.” Keyleth said.

“Everlight welcomes all, so why not?” Pike said.

Neoma studied their faces, the waves of sincerity caused a smile to etch onto her face. The wind blew, but instead of the night’s chill a warmth ran up her spine. She turned to the moon, a soft hum in her ears. She glanced down at her wristlet and smiled. Before they came across her, Neoma prayed for guidance. The fact that this group led her to find her mother’s wristlet told her what she needed.

“Sure, where are we going next?” Neoma asked.

Fin

#the legend of vox machina #vox machina oc #vox machina fic #vox machina x reader #vox machina x black oc #black oc

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wakandan-flowerz · 1 year

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Meet Neoma

I’m posting a little bio for my Vox Machina OC Neoma below. I’m going to post the first thing I wrote for her after this so keep an eye out. I hope you all like it.

Neoma is a young traveler from the mystic Inyangi tribe who worships a moon deity with an ancient history. She’s very bubbly and helpful. She has a firm resolve and will through her faith. When she comes to the party, she is young and quite daring. She, herself, has mysterious and untapped powers.

Race: Human

Class: Sorcerer/Fighter

Appearance and Personality: Neoma stands at 5’9 which counts for short among her people, dark-skinned, thick, coily hair pulled back with three cornrows with gold cuffs with a tribal inscription from her fingernails to the nape of her neck on her left side. She has wide hips, an evident pudge to her, and a larger bust. During adventures, she wears a dark purple fitted shirt with only a right sleeve and a matching long skirt with side slits, black shorts underneath, and a belt over her waist with the seal of her religion to the right. Her civilian wear is a black cropped sleeveless tunic and her skirt, her waist beads on display.

Despite her bubbly nature, Neoma is known to be a very tough and formidable fighter, having trained with the military forces of her people. She often refers to her Moon Goddess and offers praises at moments of luck. She can be found to uplift her friends and those close to her. She can be quite loving and caring to others. Neoma is known to be quite bold and is known to be forward with her words. Though, she can be very intense and serious during dark times. She’s mild tempered, however, her rage can be destructive, especially depending on her powers.

Powers and Weapons: Neoma draws from the powers of her Goddess and the moon to fuel her magic. Her power and strength can depend on the phases of the moon, the full moon offering the purest of energy thus making her magic the strongest. Neoma, however, must charge at night in the moonlight, regardless of any phase. As long as she does not drain her magic, Neoma is usually fully charged. However, under the new moon and eclipses, she has access to different energy and abilities. With Neoma leaving her home during her training, her arsenal of spells is limited. Her powers can manifest as either telekinesis or spells. A common move is that she will enchant her sword or spear or the weapons of other adventures for an added boost.

She does have a natural healing factor but heals significantly faster during nighttime. Her tattoos and eyes glow white when she uses her powers and the color can vary based on the phase of the moon. Her powers also have an effect on her emotions. When she’s fully powered, she can be upbeat, when drained or not fully charged, she can be quiet and somber.

Neoma's other ability is to sense emotions, something only a few of the Inyangis can do. Her ability allows her to distinguish those who are pure and truthful. However, someone skilled in lying and deception can prove difficult to decipher.

Neoma carries a long, rounded sword with jagged edges and a black shiny handle and a collapsible double-sided spear with a gold ribbed grip, both weapons common to her people. Both weapons are made from the metal, Atrenium, which her people harvest and use. During combat with multiple assailants, Neoma can dual-wield weapons. She keeps a lasso attached to her hip for hunting or capturing people.

History: Neoma’s family are believed to be direct descendants of their Moon Goddess, Inyanga, and her warrior lover. Her parents were the high priest and prime sorceress of her tribe before going on a pilgrimage and not returning. For the rest of her youth, Neoma was raised by her older sisters and was primed to become a leader of her tribe. Neoma chose to leave her home to adventure after feeling like her tribe tried to shelter her from the outside world. She had hoped to find her parents and do a pilgrimage of her own before she commits to her life with her people. However, she happened across a group called Vox Machina one night and joined them on their adventures

#the legend of vox machina #vox machina oc #black oc #vox machina fic #vox machina x reader

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