#fantasy flashcards

[rigelmejo]

audio study methods

Still working on that 'lazy' study plan post, since I am just not satisfied with any chinese grammar guide summaries online enough to recommend them as a small grammar intro. If anyone knows of any good 'grammar overview summary' articles or sites for chinese grammar, please let me know. (I like AllSetLearning's Chinese Grammar Wiki but it is huge and in depth and not something I'd recommend a learner 'just read through' on month 4 of learning, and the grammar guide summary site I used as a beginner that was very easy to read through in a few hours... no longer exists)

So in the meantime. Not a grammar study tip, but a general 'lazy' option for language learners who (like me) can't focus on stuff like anki, or just don't want to. I go more in depth about using audio lessons and audio flashcards on other posts, and on the lazy study plan post i'm drafting, but the short of it is: you can listen and learn while doing your normal daily activities. That's what makes the study method so convenient. You don't have to squeeze in any extra time, or change your daily life schedule to make time for chinese, to use audio lessons and audio flashcards.

You simply find some times during the day when you'd either normally listen to audio in the background (like if you listen to music when commuting or shopping, or if you listen to podcasts when working, or if you listen to youtube while exercising or browsing social media). As usual, the more time the better as you'll make faster progress if you study 1-2 hours a day or more. But anything is better than nothing. So lets say you commute to work 30 minutes in morning and evening, there's your hour of studying audio. Or you go for a walk at lunch for 15 minutes, and browse tumblr for an hour scrolling (that's 1 hour and 15 minutes of study). It's very easy to fit 30 minutes of audio study into a day, and it's fairly easy to fit even 2-4 hours of audio study if you're so inclined. I usually do 30 minutes - 2 hours of audio study some days, since when I walk I decide if I feel like listening to a youtube essay or chinese or japanese stuff, when driving I decide which I feel like listening to, and I want to listen to something in english 2/3 of the time.

How do you use audio study material? Well, the easy way is you just press play on it, let it play in the background while you do other stuff, and that's it. If you tend to avoid studying new stuff (like me), then I recommend PRIORITIZING listening to NEW AUDIO every time, until you get into the habit of listening to NEW stuff to learn. Then you can re-listen to stuff sometimes, as review, especially when you're doing activities you have less attention on audio during. So for example: you'd listen to new audio on the commute or when walking (when you can mostly focus on what you're hearing), and then re-listen to audio as review while working or scrolling tumblr and reading english (activities where you pay more attention to other things besides audio).

What can you listen to?

There's audio lessons - which would be something like ChinesePod101 (Immersive Language Chinese in the Hoopla library app), Coffee Break Chinese, youtube videos where teachers talk in english and explain chinese as they teach it. These are good for study material, because you comprehend what you're learning due to the english explanations of every word and grammar point you hear. These are good for beginners, because you will understand everything you're listening to, and learn new words and grammar, thanks to the explanations. The drawback with audio lessons is they require the most focus.

There's learner podcasts like TeaTime Chinese and Slow Chinese, these are more often ENTIRELY in chinese. So these are better for practicing comprehension of stuff you've studied elsewhere, rather than for learning new things. You can learn new words and grammar from these, but if that is your goal then re-listen to learner podcasts a decent amount (5-20 times or more until you can't guess/figure out any more word meanings).

There's audio flashcards (which I love). These are sentence audio in english, then repeated in chinese. The order may vary, the chinese may be repeated more than once. These are good for beginners and upward, because you get a translation of every single thing you hear in chinese. You can pick up new words and grammar from audio flashcards. Audio flashcards require less focus than audio lessons, because you can learn from sentences while you pay attention and then if your attention drifts you can just focus again to the next sentence you hear and continue learning. The drawback is there are no explanations for which word specifically translates to what, some translations are not literal, and there's no explanation of why the grammar is the way it is. Audio flashcards require the listener to try and guess what means what by exposure to chinese sentences and their translations. So it's harder than audio lessons in terms of explanations, but easier than learner podcasts. Audio flashcards are the best substitute for traditional flashcards or SRS apps like anki, if you're trying to improve your vocabulary by hundreds of words ASAP. Audio flashcards are dense with new vocabulary (usually 1 new word or grammar point per sentence you can learn), so you'll learn more words than you would with an audio lesson that is paced slower with more english explanations or a learner podcast which would ideally be mostly words you know and only 20% or less new words.

There's Spoonfed Chinese Anki audio files (which I recommend since these start out very basic and increase in difficulty while also repeating words a lot so you can review, they're shared on reddit if you search, or ask me), if you search 'chinese english sentences' on youtube or bilibili (i've done this with chinese japanese sentences on bilibili) you'll find videos like this where you hear audio english then audio chinese. Old glossika cd files are basically this structure as well, which you can find the audio files of for free online or free in libraries (I'm using the new glossika app for japanese but I'm hesitant to recommend the modern app courses as there's significant errors in japanese so I'm not sure how good/bad the chinese one is). If you're a beginner, then the audio flashcard material you pick won't matter much as you need to learn a few thousand common words first which will be in most materials you find. But if you're an upper beginner, you may wish to prioritize finding audio flashcards with MORE unique words, more sentences, or may want to transition to using learner podcasts more for new vocabulary. If you aren't running into at least one new word for every 5 sentences you hear in audio flashcards (and ideally one new word for Every sentence), then that audio flashcard is way too easy for you and you know enough words to move onto new study material.

Audiobooks and audio dramas - use these like learner podcasts, listen to ones you can comprehend the main idea of, and then re-listen until you can't guess/figure out any more new words. If you're not very good at listening comprehension (like me lol), then you may want to listen to a given audiobook/audio drama file 3-5 times before deciding if you can comprehend the main idea (and use the material). When my listening skills are rusty, or just in general since my listening skills are bad, it can take me a few times of listening to recognize words I 'already know' and then a few more times of listening for my brain to put the words i recognize together into 'comprehending' what was communicated. So if you can read better than you can listen, you may want to listen 3-5+ times to a new audio file before deciding if you can follow the main idea or if it's too hard. And if you can READ the audio drama transcript, chapter text, but cannot understand the audio file? Then it probably IS at a good level for you to listen to, you just need a lot more practice hearing and recognizing the words you can read. So re-listen.

All of these listening study methods are good for:

Adding more study time into your day, since you can do them while doing other things.

Learning new words and grammar, when you don't have the time (or don't want) to spend time dedicated mainly to focusing on your study material.

Learning new words and grammar, if you don't use flashcards or SRS like anki but want the benefit of learning lots 'faster' than you would if you only picked up words during active study time (active study time being when you ONLY are focusing on study activities: like reading chinese, watching cdramas, chatting/texting people, and looking up words)

[sourcherryandsprinkles]

boob obsessed ethan!!

I have very few smut requests for Scream characters and I'm in that mood to write that... Please send more for Ethan and Billy (I can do Billy x reader x Stu too)

Warnings: 18+, boobs touching/sucking, Ethan being obsessed

my taglists are here + you can send requests here at any time

—

It all started clicking one night you and Ethan were studying for finals. He was having difficulty concentrating, easily distracted by flipping his pen or even whistling, so you decided to give him a little bit of motivation.

‘’If you get five answers right, I’ll show you my boobs.’’ 

Automatically, Ethan’s eyes lowered to your boobs — still covered by your shirt — and bit the inside of his mouth to not moan. 

‘’And if you get ten right,’’ you added, ‘’I’ll let you touch them.’’ 

His jaw almost dropped. There was no way you were being serious. No one ever made deals like that and honored their part of the deal — except in his late night fantasies.

‘’Y-you’re playing,’’ Ethan said, shifting on the bed, feeling himself harden just at the thought of your breasts.

You chuckled, shaking your head. ‘’I’m not. You helped me when I was struggling last semester, now it’s my turn to help you. Do we have a deal?’’ 

Seventeen minutes later, you put the pile of flashcards down and Ethan held his breath, knowing what was coming. He got five answers right. It was an understatement to say he was nervous, however he was also so excited — very excited. 

You grabbed the bottom of your shirt and pulled it off, then unclasped your bra, nipples hardening from the cool air of the dorm. 

Watched intently, Ethan let out a strangled moan, his eyes wide with wonder and staring directly at your chest. ‘’Holy fuck, those tits are so nice. Way better than what I imagined through your shirt,’’ he said, his blunt honesty making you laugh. ‘’Shit. Did I say that out loud?’’ His face flushed, embarrassed at himself. He really wanted to crawl into a hole and die right here.

‘’You did,’’ you confirmed. You gave Ethan a soft smile, pulling him out of his trance by placing your hand on his kneecap. ‘’Let’s not get distracted. If you want to touch, you gotta give me five more good answers. Remember?’’ 

Ethan nodded, shifting again to cover the slight tent in his pants. Controlling that part of his body was impossible. He took a deep breath and you hit him with the next question. 

It was harder to concentrate this time, his eyes dropping back to your chest every three seconds, but he did it, successfully correctly answering five more flashcards.  

‘’Can I touch them, now?’’ he asked shyly, his fingers tingling with excitement. 

‘’Go for it.’’ 

That's exactly what he did. Ethan placed both of his hands over your boobs, covering them with his palms and splayed fingers like a kid discovering something for the first time. He squished them both, his fingers sinking into the softness of your breasts. 

Ethan could feel his cock twitch slightly in his pants as he continued to feel you. ‘’Oh my god. Oh wow,’’ he said, breathing heavily. His finger tweaked your nipple, experimentally pinching at it and rolling it between his fingers, drawing out a soft gasp from you when he used more pressure than you were expecting. ‘’I could cum just from touching them—’’

‘’Ethan!’’ you gasped, shocked by his words. 

His eyes snapped up and he mumbled apologies, but you just laughed.

—

Scream taglist: @misfityanii @beautybyfire @iluvscream191 @mariposa555 @bella7866 @o638 @lulubelle14 @luvvtxinityy @frasersgf  @Eddiefrickenmunson @jasperr-the-friendly-ghost @ghostf4cee @thesebitcheslovesosadotcom @wandaswigglywoos @xjennyx2 @jennasslut @thatonesblog  @mikaelsonsstuff @icarly23 @tcddszn  @bt.oliana  @skyesthebomb @a1mzcruml3y @red1culous @iluurmom @popeheywardssecretgf @michaelangdonsslut @byhrxb @kamthecoolest @kattybug @ravenstrueluv @landryslxys @die4niyahhh  @sl4sh3rfuck3r @radiant-whore  @Meadzy21 @luci1fer @nomorespahgetti  @bloodyhw  @depthsofdespairr  @bellysbeach @wilmalovegood @loupiotesworld  @wenvierismycomfort @t-candy  @s-al-em  @darylscvmdumpster  @tommysaxes  @adaydreamaway08 @johannelis2302nely  @aqshua @lynbubble  @luiise  @planetkt  @vampyrgoff

All and more taglist: @spiokybirdstarfish @kenqki @liidiaaag @hawkegfs  @gillybear17  @areaderinlove @acornacreacure @black-rose-29 @fudge13 @cece05 @rosie-cameron @Caxddce @laylasbunbunny @gemofthenight @beautyb1ade  @hi-bored-as-fcuk-rn  @lovelyy-moonlight @mellabella101 @vxnity713  @marzipaanz  @bisexualgirlsblog @queenofslytherin889 @thatbxtchesblog @softb-tterfly @ethanlandrycanbreakmyheart  @xyzstar  @graceberman3  @Heartsforneteyamsully  @aerangi  @hallecarey1  @bxbyyyjocelyn @mikeyspinkcup

[ts19009]

Seventeen Fic Rec's Part 4

(CONTAINS SMUT AND MATURE SUBJECT MATTER)

(Bold title means favorite)

(UPDATED: February 24th, 2025)

OT13

subtle svt dating.@xinganhao

PEDAL TO THE METAL (series masterlist) @diamonddaze01 (Welcome to the world of F1, where the cars go fast, the stakes go higher, and the drama never lifts off the throttle. Seventeen rules the grid—from precision strategies to podium glory. Whether it’s navigating a hairpin turn or a tricky love confession, the tension is always at maximum revs. So tighten your harness and adjust your visors—this isn’t just a race; it’s the ride of a lifetime.)

the lords who loved me (series masterlist) @amourcheol (smut, fluff, angst, bridgerton! au, regency au! for certain fics -> friends with benefits! au, opposites attract! au, sunshine x grumpy! au, slow burn! au, forbidden love! au, enemies to lovers! au)

what 2 am with them looks like @cxffecoupx

The Syndicates Collection  @sailorsoons (this collection contains individual fics with each member of SVT paired with a different reader that occur in the same universe/AU and timeline. Each story is a stand alone, but three of them do have a connected/overarching plot. You do not need to read all of them to understand what’s going on, and all of the fics can be read as standalone one shots.)

Mingyu

Dessert First @highvern (baker! mingyu, wedding planner!YN, fluff, smut, angst, exes to lovers)

Cinnamon @daechwitatamic (You finally decide to try and move on after years of waiting for Mingyu to return your feelings. But when you start bringing your new boyfriend around more often, things with Mingyu get... difficult.)

Sunsets In December @nerdycheol (architect major!mingyu x literature major!f reader)

the budget @fxstpace (photography student!kim mingyu x art student!fem!reader)

lost in the west @starlightkyeom (fake dating (kind of), friends to lovers, holiday!au | fluff, smut, romance)

What they think @priisprii (idol au, Sugar daddy!Mingyu x sugar baby!reade)

So High School @lavnderwonu (fiancé!mingyu x pregnant!fem!reader)

HOW SWEET @hannieehaee (enemies to lovers, pining, one sided crush that becomes two sided!, afab reader, smut, teasing, semi public sex (its done in a public establishment but no one is there), breast play, food play (frosting on tits basically), fingering, handjob, penetrative sex, etc.)

flashing lights masterlist @gyuhao5 (model!minghao x f!assistant!reader x actor!mingyu)

EIGHT FIRST DATES @minkieater (maybe boys your age just weren’t your thing. after a sudden lunch date, you were already half convinced the search was over— had you found the man you were bringing to your family’s thanksgiving? how will chan take the news?)

Love Me Out Loud @twogyuu (Kim Mingyu was your first, but to him, he was for sure you were his endgame. One year out from university, no one expected you to be dating the former campus heartthrob. It's why you had to hide it from everyone – Mingyu's 14.5K Instagram followers, at least. However, the return of your childhood best friend Kim Taehyung to Seoul for a wedding, forces Mingyu to rethink the secrecy of your whole relationship. )

second servings @diamonddaze01(It’s safe to say that this Thanksgiving has been a rousing success)

sage & stardust @smileysuh (Fairy au, fantasy au, non idol. )

A Helping Hand - Part Two @idyllic-ghost (office worker!Mingyu x office worker!fem!reader Genre: office romance, enemies to lovers, fluff, angst, smut, coworkers-with-benefits)

Sit Down @gyuswhore (getting aroused by the other's jealousy/obsession with them, "Could he/she/they do it like this?”, “you're sexy when you're angry”)

Glass Towers @mr-cha-n (fluff, angst, smut, architect AU)

Sex Education @svtiddiess (In all your years of education you learned that there are many methods to study: flashcards, study groups, the pomodoro method etc. But you find that practice is better than theory. And what better way to study Biology than practice with your study buddy?)

the very first night @fxstpace (romance, angst, smut, exes to lovers!au, roommates!au)

Warm welcome @cherry-hulu (Nothing like a warm welcome for Mingyu after a stressful day at work. Warnings: Ceo!KMG x Sugar baby!reader)

so high school | kmg | part 2 @cherriegyuu (when you’re suddenly thrown in Mingyu’s direction, you have no choice but to stay by his side, and maybe it’s not as bad as you think)

Wonwoo

hanging by a moment @haologram (t's been a few years since you've been home for your birthday, and wonwoo can't wait to see you...right?)

Sucker For You @honeyhae-svt (smut, romance, humor, slice of life, wonwoo x reader, college au, slow burn to fast burn, mutual pining, friends to lovers, cockwarming, gamer wonwoo, subtle dominance, light degradation, reader insert, cute dynamics, playful teasing, soft/dom wonwoo, loser!wonwoo x popular!reader.)

Through the Lens @mr-cha-n (Smut, fluff, photographer x model AU)

BOYFRIEND WONWOO ˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊ @seokmn

Born Superhero @thedensworld (Started as clueless father to superhero, watch how Wonwoo grow as a father... And a husband.)

never leave this bed @straylightdream (husband!jeon wonwoo x curvy!f.reader)

Love under a Microscope @whitesugarbaybee (Pathologist!Wonwoo x pathologist fem!reader Genre: Doctor au, shefellfirst-he fell harder, crack, fluff)

Sold For A Soul @tusswrites (making bargains with the devil in exchange for a chance to glory. lies, deception and uncovered feelings in a world of glitz and glam.)

Steam IV @highvern (ATLA au, enemies(?) to lovers, forbidden romance, royalty au)

1-800-got-stress @seokminfilm (non-idol au, college/professor au, slight romance (?), english professor wonwoo x teacher's assistant reader, tiny sprinkles of humor, one-sided crush (?), wonwoo is very dense when it comes to reader's romantic feelings (not really though), reader still loves him anyways, cute ending??)

In Front of Me (1) @wonustars (bestfriends to (?), angst, smut (R: 18+ mdni))

ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴛᴡɪɴᴇᴅ -- ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪɴ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ (pt 2) @shuastar (ᴀʀᴄʜᴅᴜᴋᴇ!ᴡᴏɴᴡᴏᴏ x ᴀʀᴄʜᴅᴜᴄʜᴇꜱꜱ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ) I'm obsessed with this one.

Heart of the Sea @highvern (angst, romance, adventure, pirate!au, royalty!au)

king of my heart @strawberrynamjoon (soulmates au?, non idol au)

Sweetest thing @sailorrhansol (Dad!Wonwoo x Mom!reader For the first Halloween in years, you and Wonwoo are able to enjoy it together without the kids. When you feel a little nervous about your costume, Wonwoo is determined to show you that you’ve always been the sweetest thing. )

after the seminar @smileysuh (sugar daddy Wonwoo, gentleman in the streets/softdom in the sheets, reader doesn't want to make choices, daddy/control kink, fingering, multiple orgasms, oral, blow job, deep throating, dirty talk, praise, masturbation, unprotected sex, holding hands while fucking, implied breeding/fullness kink, etc… I pet names: (hers) honey. (his) daddy.)

Joshua

all the petty scenes & all the pretty things @starlightkyeom ((one-sided) enemies to lovers, strangers to lovers (kinda) | smut & fluff)

Streak @wonwootattoo (it doesn't give a description, but know I loved this one)

not according to plan | hjs @starlightkyeom(fake dating, strangers to friends to ?? | fluff, slight angst, smut)

I (do)n't need you Pt. 1 @thestraybunny (Inspired by 2 minus 1 by Vernon and Joshua.It's been seven months since you and Joshua broke up, and you are still convincing yourselves that you don't need each other.)

royally screwed [m] @husbandhoshi ( between remembering last night’s party and pleasing your unrelenting family, you think being a princess is hard enough. then you’re thrust into an arranged marriage to royal darling joshua hong—straight-laced, infuriatingly obedient, and everything you’re not. pretending to be the perfect couple? impossible.)

love thy neighbor @junkissed (fwb! neighbor!joshua x f reader)

Lies and Butterflies @bluehoodiewoozi (fake dating au; mostly fluff.)

𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 @yerimacoustic (after the princess falls mysteriously ill, joshua, born with powers no one else in the palace knows about, becomes her caretaker.)

in a span of three months @viastro (in which you teach joshua how to live.)

Catalyst @hwanghyunjinenthusiast (A trip to your brother and niece's brings feelings your husband has been shoving down for months to the surface.)

Juno @shuafiles (one of me is cute, but two though? give it to me baby)

Jeonghan

don’t you want me, baby? — yjh @seungkw1 (80s au, romance, humor)

sweet monday afternoons @straylightdream (nonidol, linecook! jeonghan, waitress/baker!reader)

Merger & Acquisition (Of My Heart) @mr-cha-n(Jeonghan thought navigating corporate mergers was hard—turns out, navigating corporate mergers with his ex is harder.)

storm @tonicandjins (fluff, married life)

i'll always say it's you ; yoon jeonghan @junplusone (childhood best friends to ??? to ???, swearing, drinking (+ underage), talk of joshua and cheol's arm muscles, mention of drugs in a joke like once i think, caffeine addiction, peak delusion, jeonghan cheating in games as always, hella yearning)

reverse uno @twogyuu (Fluff, dad!jeonghan, mom!reader, uncle!wonwoo)

the gambit —- y.jh @miniseokminnies 9enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, 1960s au, university au, chess club president!jeonghan, club member!yn)

fated strut- pt. i @beomcoups (greek god!Jeonghan x model!reader)

daylight @kpopflowerfield (jeonghan is moving on from a heartbreak, starting again and making every experience feel new with you.)

Minghao

muddled hearts 🍹 x.mh @haologram (artender!xu minghao x fem!waitress!reader | side pairings: restaurant owners!jeongcheol ; bartender!seungkwan x waiter!hansol ; chef!mingyu x hostess!tzuyu (twice))

the xu minghao dilemma @shuaflix(fluff, humor, suggestive, coffee shop au, college au, childhood friends to lovers au)

\caught in bloom, caught on you @wheeboo (in which you find yourself becoming a regular𑁋or perhaps more than that𑁋at minghao's flower shop.)

lost in translation ♾️ @ylangelegy (translator/interpreter!reader, idiots in love, yearning!!!, hurt/comfort, confessions. alcohol consumption, reader gets a [minor] surgery)

Seokmin

Hint. Hint. HINT!!! @nerdycheol (College AU, Fluff, Mutual Pining, Oblivious Crush)

smooth operator @ylangelegy (f1 racer!seokmin x ferrari race engineer!reader)

break your heart right back @kyeomszone (lovers to exes mingyu. rough sex. model! mingyu. cheating. baseball player! dokyeom. penetrative sex. gentle sex. body worship. oral sex (fem receiving). overstimulation. fem reader.)

Totally Scrooged @highvern (neighbor!au, idiots to lovers, fluff/angst/smut)

triple-dog dare @eoieopda (childhood best friends to lovers)

because even then, i knew @catboyieejeno (non idol! seokmin x reader, stanger to lovers / kdrama au)

The Somerset Affair | Chapter 2: When the Music Stops @diamonddaze01 (Bridgerton AU, friends to (?????) to eventual lovers, brother’s best friend, SLOWWWW BURNNN)

assumptions @seokminfilm (major league baseball player!seokmin, popular x nobody,)

Chan

between you and me @haologram (holiday au. bffs to exes to lovers (what a doozy); angst, fluff, smut.)

Chapter One: How to Not Get Stabbed @mr-cha-n (action, smut, angst, fluff, superhero AU)

Kwon Soonyoung

Beggin' On My Knees @highvern (After another run in with the law, you come to terms with the fact your friends might be right about your fiancé.)

Espresso @highvern (dom/sub dynamics (switches back and forth), public fondling/exhibitionism, dry humping, fingering, breath play, oral sex (all the kinds), swallowing, spitting, degradation (reader calls herself a slut, hoshi has a moral dilemma about it), spanking, vaginal sex, anal sex, unprotected sex, double penetration, sex toys (butt plug, dildo))

[reformhim]

The Jersey Makes The Man

It was just another uneventful Saturday for Noah—casually perusing the newly opened vintage thrift shop downtown. He was the kind of guy who got excited over coding bugs, collectibles, and obscure game lore, not athletic gear. But something strange pulled him toward the back of the store, past bins of old cleats and battered helmets.

There, hanging from a rusted metal hook, was a crimson and gold jersey. The number “14” was stitched boldly on the chest, and despite its age, it shimmered like it had just come off the field. Noah didn’t even like sports. But the moment his fingers brushed the fabric—thick, cool, and humming with invisible energy—his breath hitched.

He bought it and couldn't wait to try it on, unsure why he cared so much.

Upon returning to his home, he immediately undressed, walked over to full length mirror, and slipped it on over his narrow frame, the world swayed. His legs buckled, hands gripping the sides of the mirror as a tingling warmth surged through his spine and chest. His torso expanded, pecs pushing against the snug fabric of the jersey, shoulders widening. His arms bulged with muscle, freckles dotting thickening biceps. Red hairs sprouted rapidly across his forearms and calves, then spread up his thighs and chest in thick, bristly tufts.

Noah’s jaw cracked with a pop, growing square and strong, filling in with a thick ginger beard. His nose sharpened, lips puffed into a confident smirk. Strands of his brown hair began turning fiery red, swept into a tousled jock cut that looked like it belonged under a football helmet.

His glasses cracked and slid from his reshaped nose. He stepped on them, bare feet widening, arches flattening into strong, athletic soles. He groaned—not from pain, but from the delicious, almost erotic rush of testosterone flooding his veins.

Memories shuffled like flashcards. The spelling bee champion? Faint and silly. A new wave crashed in: sweat-drenched scrimmages, roaring stadium crowds, locker room jokes, slapping towels and smirks exchanged under hot showers. His name wasn't even Noah anymore—it was Chase. Yeah. Chase O’Connor. Star midfielder. Campus god. Straight-up stud.

He looked at himself in the mirror, cocky grin spreading. “Damn, I’m hot,” he said, voice now a deep, raspy timbre.

He remembered Noah. The awkward loner. The virgin. The one who used to jerk off to pics of handsome jocks online.

But Chase didn’t care.

Why would he? He was the fantasy now. The jersey clung to his now muscular chest, matching the low-slung gym shorts hugging his meaty thighs. He cupped his hefty bulge with pride, giving himself a wink.

“Time to show the world what I’ve got.”

*A big word of thanks to @rowdy317 for this story inspiration!

[vintagerpg]

What a monster of a first product. This is Outcast Silver Raiders (2023), the Kickstarter first edition that boasts a box 3.75 inches deep (the trade edition, from Exalted Funeral, is in a slipcase and lacks some of the ephemera and bits that are in this, which makes sense considering what the cost-per-unit of this thing must have been). It’s the deepest RPG box on my shelves [er, it was, until Land of Eem showed up]. And what depths!

Map, standees, dungeon flashcards. The Player’s Guide lays out the core rules. Three classes — rouge, sorcerer, warrior. They work mostly the way you expect, though there are surprises. Rogues get a pool of luck points, sorcerers have a set of blood magic abilities rather than traditional spells and warriors get special combat maneuvers. It feels a little Black Hack, a little OSE. The Referee’s Compendium contains advice on how to run the game and its world. One of the longest sections is on ritual magic which A. Presents horrible magical options for players to seek out and B. Roots the game setting to a kind of fantasy occultism that I find extremely appealing. Nearly every ritual is a devil’s bargain. There’s also a lengthy section with expanded character options that basically aligns with the OSE standard. They’re there for completion’s sake, but I agree with Isaac that the game feels better without them.

The real star is the third, and longest, book, The Mythic North, which present a grim world that kinda sorta aligns with medieval Scotland. There is a central church and feudal lords and no lack of corruption, both terrestrial and spiritual. The book is basically split between encounters for hex crawling and dungeons for exploring. Both have threads of narrative that players can pick up and then referees can expound upon. The variety here is pretty awe-inspiring. I particularly enjoy the hex encounters, every one of which offers a unique event, NPC or situation. There is a lot of creativity poured into this thing.

It’s all written by Isaac Vanduyn. All the illustrations are by Kim Diaz Holm, all the maps are by Lex Rocket. Everything adheres to a palette of white, black and red, giving the game a cohesive sense of danger and violence. If I weren’t running my own thing right now, I’d be running this.

[hyba]

Aaand it's sent! It's out! Enjoy! ^^

(And if you want to join, here it is!)

Had to get some stuff done earlier today and now I am preparing the newsletter. Coming to inboxes near you soon! 🎁

You're getting the flashcarding method, a nice long excerpt from the City of Light, and a few updates on Scareuary ✨

[reqxxyt]

followed by december

pairings: oscar p. x f!reader

summary: after a winter night in december, you had a soul goal to find the boy that had your heart soaring at first glance. That was until your best friend introduced him as her boyfriend.

disclaimer: heavily inspired by 'One Day in December' Josie Silver

warning: angst, falling in love at first sight, part two

masterlist requests are open!

[uedited] 1.6k

_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐

Finals week had to be your end of existence. It currently held you in the library near midnight like most of the other students, praying to just end the class on a C. Although, right now a D sounded nice. Finishing up the last bits of your flashcards, already setting up your alarm for the following morning to give you enough time to review one last time before you started to pack up. 

The quiet environment of the library always had you held within, admiring how silent a habitat can be. You frequently visited the location seeing as not many were interested in studying unless there was a test that week but with finals week, it had the library being the loudest it's ever been. Not like a rager or anything, but like a coffee shop type of loud. The constant chatter of study groups, shuffling paper, scraping of the chairs, and keyboard clinking feet away did send a headache over time but you learned to deal with it after your sophomore year. 

Right now, you dreaded the idea of having to walk out of the library building to reach your apartment on a cold winter night. But either way, you slung your bag onto your shoulder and began walking out. As you passed the front reception, you took a singular glance at the lady flashing a warm smile but before you could turn back, your body found itself colliding with another almost losing balance of your footing. 

“Crap, I’m sorry” a soft voice, almost raspy apologized. You looked in front of you to see an unfamiliar face. He had short dark brown hair that was messed with the wind of the winter. His pale skin now held a red tint on his nose and cheeks. His dark eyes looked frantically around your figure trying to gather that you were physically okay but the second his eyes found yours they seemed to also stall. 

You hated the idea and fantasy of ‘love at first sight’ but the way your feet were planted, facing him it didn’t seem like such a bizarre thing. Your lips parted to say something, anything you could muster but a buzz in your back pocket pulled you away from whatever trance you were held in. 

‘Where the hell are you? Your mom called me, says it's an emergency’ your roommate texted and before you said anything else, you dashed out the door only sparing another small glance at the boy you swore you would never see again. It was a huge campus after all. 

The walk to your apartment was only a five-minute speed walk (which you very much intended on doing). You arrived in 3, frightened about what happened thinking the worst happened by her desperation to call near midnight. As the phone rang, your hand ran through your frizzy hair trying to fix the mess the wind made. 

“What happened?” you immediately asked the second you heard the phone pick up. Instead of the sounds of sobbing you thought you would hear, the sound of cheering came on and your face contorted into confusion. 

“Your sister is getting married! Isn’t that amazing?” Your mom exclaimed. You wanted to glare through the phone. 

“And why is that an emergency?” you asked now growing annoyed. You weren’t surprised though, your mom tended to do these things. You swore the day that an actual emergency, you wouldn’t believe her. The boy who cried wolf and all. 

“You weren’t answering your phone so I had to get your attention somehow” she huffed, not believing you weren’t as excited as she was. You were, you were just too tired to express anything but annoyance at the moment. Finally, your mom must have realized how absurd it was to call during this time telling you, “Make sure to come home safe so we can talk more about this”

“Yeah, okay goodnight” You pressed the red button and groaned. Your roommate now looked confused as to why you looked angry about asking but instead, you interrupted. “I bumped into someone”

Now interest sparked in her eyes urging you to continue. It was rare to find you so entranced in someone, especially someone you just saw and knew nothing about. Martha, your only friend and roommate believed in the whole ‘love at first sight’ so immediately you knew her mind was racing. 

“But your text interrupted before anything could happen” Her frown quickly spreaded, mirroring your own. 

“So no name, number, anything?” her voice of desperation grew but your shake of the head made her wince. She rubbed your back to give some sort of comfort but it only gave you reason to feel worse.  “I’m sure you’ll find him again. Soulmates are a thing, you know?”

March

“No name, number, anything?” Now was your sister the one asking, sounding just like Martha after having just explained anything. Unlike your friend Martha, she didn’t believe in the first-love scenario so she could partially not care any less about it but with your pathetic desperation voice, it made her feel a tad bit sad for you. 

It was spring break and you decided to visit your parents once again to help organize the wedding. And while you weren’t trying to make it about yourself the whole asking how it's been got you rambling. 

“There's still a chance she might find him,” Martha said, trying to encourage you as she typed away probably texting one of her many ‘acquaintances’. Your sister rolled her eyes, 

“It's been months, on the real note: give up” your sister bluntly stated. You thought about her words for a couple of moments, as your leg bounced up and down until you finally decided enough was enough. 

“Yeah you’re right” you sighed and your sister nodded along Martha sprung but before she could say anything more to feed your delusions, your sister glared at her and with that, she backed off. “I need to focus on school anyway”

“You sound like Oscar,” Martha said, flopping back onto the couch and you gave her a confused look not knowing the slightest who she was talking about. “I’ve been talking to him. Super nice dude, I think I actually like him” 

“What happened to ‘staying a bachelor throughout college’?” you asked, the exact phrase she said as one of the first things she said to you. 

“A girl has to settle down at some point, no?” 

“You though? You have your standards soaring greater than the sky”

“Had” she corrected. “You should meet him, I think you’ll like him” 

You just shrugged realizing your sister must have left mid-conversation as she no longer stood in front of the two of you, probably exhausted by the college talk. 

December

“I promise you’ll love him,” Martha said as you two were about to finish getting ready for your sisters' wedding. Martha and Oscar (who you have yet to meet) have been going out for the past 5 months and she had been talking so brightly about him every night she would come back. It's a surprise you haven’t found him the morning after. 

Her past guys made it terribly awkward. 

“He should be at the altar when it begins” Her excited smile made your own curve upwards, happy she found someone who could make her so smitten. “But be completely honest with me when you meet him. Tell me all the red flags” 

“I’m sure he's fine,” you said, finishing up your own makeup. 

“Fine is no good” she reminded you. Pointing her finger at you, suddenly appearing stressed to you so you held her by the shoulders making her take a deep breath. 

“I’m sure he's amazing then” Your comforting smile definitely made her feel all the better. 

The reception was perfect, just like your sister wanted it to be and the second pictures were done you turned to Martha and realized she no longer stood by you. That's fine, you thought all though right now you really needed an excuse to get out of the exhausting conversations wondering when you’ll get married. 

As if your guardian angel heard you, you felt a tap on your shoulder and heard the familiar sound of Marthas voice make you turn around about to rant to her about the conversations before your eyes finally landed on the same pair of brown eyes that once had your heart souring by the simple thought of. 

No. This can’t be possible. 

“This is Oscar. Oscar this is y/n” his eyes seemed to widen for a second before his smile covered. You couldn’t help but wonder if he also remembers you. 

Your lips parted, knowing you needed to seem normal. This is fine. You’re fine. 

But your smile covered whatever shock showed and his soft smile almost made you want to dissipate. 

“It's so nice to meet you” you were the first to say, reaching out your hand for him to shake, and although it only lasted a second, shock waves ran through you. You took a glance at your friend, seeing her excitement between the two of you and you could feel your own heart ache at the sight. 

Martha tried sharing similar interests between the two of you but you found yourself spacing out most of the time. Out of everyone in this world, he had to be the one that caught your attention at first glance, you felt disgusted by yourself, having to excuse yourself away just to get some fresh air. 

With your chest feeling as if it were tightening, you tried anything to get more air running through you. It was ridiculous, you barely knew Oscar yet you felt as if you knew him all your life. But he wasn’t yours, he never was. He was with your friend, and you’d have to accept that. 

“y/n?”

[cum-aside]

“Eh? Becky, what are you doing with that skinny paper?”

Becky glanced up with a smile before looking back down at the paper on her desk. 

“I’m making a star!” she does some complicated creases and folds on the strip, movements efficient and practiced, then help up the tiny gumdrop sized star, “ta daa~”

Anya leaned forward, eyes wide in awe. The little origami star was so cute and pretty, and Becky had made it so fast. “Woah! So cool Becky! Teach me, teach me!” 

~~~~~

Anya couldn’t help but let herself be distracted with thoughts of Damian. His soft fluffy hair (she knows it’s fluffy because she sneaks up on him and ruffles it whenever she can catch him unawares, assumedly because it annoys him, but you know what they say about assuming…) his gorgeous golden eyes, his rare smiles, the subtle sprinkle of freckles he gets across his nose every spring, his graceful fingers. 

His strong thighs.

His perky bu–

WHACK went the notebook that Becky smacked over her head. 

“Anya-chaaaan. You’re not paying any attention at all! It’s like you don’t even want to pass this exam.” 

Anya collapsed over the table between them, highlighters and pencils rolling to the floor in her wake. The sigh she let out as she wallowed was positively love-sick (in Beckys opinion)

“Oh, Anya you really can’t go on like this, how long has it been? I keep telling you, either confess to get it out of your system or let it fade away!”

Anya sprung up in a flurry of pink hair and vocabulary flashcards, “I've been letting it fade! It’s fading!”

Becky tossed her hair over her shoulder and let out a very inelegant, unladylike snort; because it was only her and Anya around, and because the situation warranted it. “You do nothing day in and day out but feed your horrid crush with thoughts and fantasies. It can’t be fading, because all you’re doing is adding fuel to the fire!”

Anya let out a little giggle, recalling the extended metaphor that the phrase came from. “Oh the fire in my heart? The one that burns eternally? With my longing for my truest love? That one?” she grinned.

Becky flushed, that particular conversation with Anya had been in 7th grade, and the first time she had tried to seriously speak with her friend about her ridiculous behaviour concerning the Desmond spare. She had been frustrated by the way the two danced around each other, confidants and partners in crime one day, then mutual annoyances and bullies the next. The entire talk had been convoluted and counterproductive but she stood by the idea behind it.

The idea being, Love in Berlint tropes aren't nearly so fun to watch in real life, so can they please either confess or move on already??

“Don’t even start Anya, I know you know what I’m talking about. Quit thinking about him, and maybe he’ll stop invading your every waking thought. He’s so annoying anyway.”

Anya sat back down with a huff, “yeah he really is.” She sounded so fond, it was actually sickening. Becky rolled her eyes, at this rate they would roll right out her head.

“Putting aside Desmond and his many prevalent flaws— what is the latin root of light?”

Anya collapsed to the table again.

~~~~~~

Anya sat, brooding, at her desk, late into the night, and finally decided on a course of action. Whenever she had a thought about Damian that fed into her feelings. She would write it down. Then, she would be objective about whether or not it was a truly admirable quality, or just her being blind with love. If it was objectively admirable then she would put it on a paper slip, fold it into a star, and put it into a jar. 

Hopefully, this overly complicated ritual would show her that Damian isn’t actually all that great— she was just addled with hormones and neurochemicals. And if that didn’t turn out to be the case. Well… 

If she filled the whole jar, then she had to confess to damian.

That was her ultimatum. 

And like Becky said— the dispelling of feelings and the inevitable rejection would set her onto the road to recovery.

But here's to hoping it wouldn’t come to that.

~~~~~~

Two days later, and anya has a neat little list in a notebook she’s taken to carrying around. 

Pretty eyes

Soft hair

Smart 

Dedicated

Kind to his friends

A good ballet dancer

Now to be objective.

Were these objectively admirable qualities to have in a person?

Wait.

What did that even mean? Morally admirable? Socially admirable? Aesthetically? 

Oh no, Anya had a headache just trying to parse out what objectively admirable was even supposed to mean in this context. Why did she resolve to follow along with a long term project that she had made up the requirements for at three am??

Uhg ok.

Objectively admirable qualities. Things that would be admirable in anyone, regardless of who they were in relation to anya. Even if they were a person she hated, or a stranger, something that would still be impressive and cool about them. Like how Bondman’s arch nemesis is very evil but also very smart. Sure, it makes him one of the most dangerous bad guys of the series, but it’s still a commendable and impressive trait.

Which means that anything about his physical appearance was probably out.

She revised her list.

Pretty eyes

Soft hair

Smart 

Dedicated

Kind to his friends

A good ballet dancer

Although…

Anya knows from the other boys in her grade— and from becky's hair care rants back in 5th grade— that it takes some attention to have hair be soft and fluffy. She brushes her hair against her lips as she thinks. Does that mean Sy-on boy uses special products on his hair? Personal hygiene is a commendable quality, right? What does his hair smell like?

Wait what?

Anyway!

Anya thinks more about some of the other guys in her year.

Yes. Hygiene is a very commendable quality. Especially in guys. 

She revises her list again.

Pretty eyes

Soft hair  good hair care??

Smart 

Dedicated

Kind to his friends

A good ballet dancer

But wait…

Does keeping your hair fluffy count as vanity?? That’s not an admirable trait. Becky is always going on about how detrimental it is to be seen as someone who cares about their appearance. It makes you seem vapid and shallow. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t  care about your appearance though… you just shouldn’t let people know you care too much… or something…

Anya is pretty sure her headache intensifies. 

In the end, she had five Objectively Admirable Qualities™ 

Personal hygiene

Smart 

Dedicated

Kind to his friends

A good ballet dancer

Five stars. Two green, two yellow, and one lavender.

The first three were sort of lopsided. It had been a while since the last time she had made these paper stars.

They made a very quiet plinking sound as they hit the bottom of the empty jar.

Anya wasn’t sure if the five lonely stars looked more like the first rays of hope, or the beginning of her end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anya handed Damian five little folded paper stars, with zero context.

She looked… strained. Apprehensive, maybe.

It was weird, he hardly ever saw anya look anything but cheerful or smug.

“Can you unfold those, sy-on boy?” she asked, quietly, pointedly looking anywhere but damians face.

Damian raised a brow in amusement, but said nothing, getting to work on the stars in his palm instead.

He tore the first and second ones, and rather aggressively creased the third, but by the last one he had gotten the pattern down pat. Weirdly, all of the slips had written on them, ‘this is a test’, in anya's familiarly terrible handwriting.

Bemused, he looked at her and offered back the now unfolded papers. “So did I pass, or…?”

His gentle jibe fell flat, as anya's face kept its pensive quality as she turned to look at him— finally making eye contact. She licked her lips and pressed them together, and Damian tried hard not to make it obvious that he followed the movement. She seemed to be looking for something in his face—intently gazing into his soul— although just what it was she wanted from him, was anyone's guess.

She took a deep breath, and let it out in almost the same way she does when she’s practicing martial arts. A quick but thorough exhalation of air. “Sy-on boy, do you think I'm brave?”

Damian can feel his face contract in confusion at the random question. What on earth—?

Under normal circumstances, he would take the opportunity to (affectionately) make fun of her. Call her a coward and cite one of the many times that she had called him in a fit of hysterics because she was convinced that her dad would disown her for her newest terrible grade, or her history of dodging movie night when there was going to be a horror movie on. Then she would snipe back, he would smirk and be an ass, and eventually she would smile and laugh— which is of course, always his end goal in these exchanges.

But she seems so fragile right now, looking up at him with her wide, green, beautiful eyes. He has no idea what she wants to hear from him really, has no idea at all what to do with an Anya in this kind of mood— but he knows the answer to her question.

He thinks of all the times Anya has asked a question in class that blatantly shows off her lack of knowledge, and everytime she had confronted others (and himself) about being kind and not picking on students. He thinks of the way she confidently leads conversations, and connects with strangers, and that time when they were twelve, when his life flashed before his eyes, even though she's the one who almost died.

Anya Forger is one of the bravest people he knows.

“Of course you’re brave, Starlight,” he knows she noticed his slip of her silly nickname, which he usually only uses with a heavy dose of irony. But he can’t help it. She has always been a starlit being in his eyes. Bright and beautiful. He blushed and glanced away none the less, covering the sincerity with a joke. “I mean, who else could admit directly to a teacher that she was late because she wanted to finish her Christmas special lunch?”

She rolled her eyes, and huffed a laugh. Damian could, and has, done better, but any laughter is a blessing from her. Anya's face is still deeply contemplative, and she's clenching and unclenching her hands in her scholar's robes— a nervous tick that he hasn’t seen from her since she had to give an assembly speech. She must be very nervous then.

Damian isn’t sure how he feels about that, but he hopes it isn’t him that's making her nervous. 

Her beautiful face seems to settle into a determined expression. It makes her eyes shine even brighter than usual. Although he could be biased.

She reaches into her bag beside her. “This is,” she starts, as she pulls out a mason jar full of the stars she had just made him unfold. There were at least a dozen colors, some shiny, some pastel, and others bright neon. The jar had a slightly lopsided bow around the top. “This is. These are all.”

She shakes her head vigorously, her short pink curls getting tossed around. Then takes a very deep breath, lets it out like a martial artist again. Anya jerks the jar forward, and it bumps into his chest slightly, digging into his collarbone. He clutches it— and her hands, oh god, his face is so red— on instinct, and looks at her with so much confusion.

This entire interaction has felt a bit like they were both having separate conversations, with each of them speaking perfectly past the other, but no matter— because she is staring intently into his eyes and he is, like always, utterly captivated by her, and so nearly misses when she says—

“These are all the things I love about you.”

.

.

.

And then she runs away from him.

[mariyekos]

This is a year in which I'm trying to get more into writing as a craft and the appreciation of writing. I'm trying to read more books, and not just my favorite fantasy novels but some classics and some more recent popular books, I'm trying to refine my actual writing style by making more conscious choices about what I'm doing, and I'm trying to leave more comments on fics, whether long or short, which is probably the strongest part of that appreciation front. Last year was about wordcount, this year is about skill.

I'm also trying to work on my vocabulary again, which I've realized has stagnated over time as I drifted towards mostly fics, most of which use the same sort of language, and more "popular" or easy-to-read books which, while entertaining, also tend to use the same sort of language so they're approachable. I've been looking up the definitions of words as I come across them, but that doesn't always make them stick in my mind, so I've been screenshotting them when I look them up with the intent of putting them in a folder to review them. I should really get to that folder part, or otherwise make a document of definitions. Maybe flashcards. There's beauty to be found in using precise language, and I want to be able to do that myself. It's one thing to be able to read a word and know what it means, and another to feel something and be able to recall the word that properly conveys that feeling. I want to get better at the latter. Sometimes I frustrate myself because I want to say something specific but can't find the word, and trying to talk around it (i.e. describe the context in multiple words) ruins the atmosphere/flow in a way that means I have to give up entirely. I want to get better at that. Not to mention the fact that I just want to know more words. It's been a few years since I graduated and I feel like I'm mentally stagnating if not declining because my daily life just doesn't challenge me like that, and I miss the challenge. The stimulation. Having to think, getting to learn, actually expressing myself. So I'm also trying to read some more academic books here and there and annotate them to really get my thinking cap on. In another world, I'd be a historian with a focus on literature. In this world, I'm very much not.

[bluedalahorse]

Lately I’ve been living out my escapist fantasies in language learning materials. Let’s enter a magical world of intellectually curious international exchange students where diversity is a given and no one is whining about it… there’s time to lounge around in cafes and take trips by train here… my spaced repetition flashcard app takes care of my executive functioning needs and everyone repeats what they said slowly and clearly so that even my busted auditory processing can grasp it… move over Dark Romance it is now Hot Reach B1 On The CEFR Proficiency Scale Summer.

[open-hearth-rpg]

#RPGaDay2024

An accessory you appreciate

I weirdly love card-randomizers for in-game inspiration. I have a deck of attack description cards, a full set of all the Backstory Cards, the classic BitD Heist deck, and so on. I’m acutely aware that these would be as (or maybe more) useful as random tables. But I dig cards. 

Two accessories come to mind as ones I'm really excited about right now. The first is the Deals in the Dark deck from Evil Hat. They have a set of four of these, but this one really caught my eye. Coming up with Devil’s Bargains and even sometimes costs/consequences can be a road bump when I’m running. My mind’s pushing forward and suddenly I have to switch gears. Too often I find myself going back to the same well to answer. 

This deck has cards broken into three levels: low, moderate, and high risk. Each card then has appropriate suggestions in four categories. Character "An opponent swears vengeance on you. Start a Faction Clock as they begin to plan". Threat "A foe is propelled into an adjacent space, attracting attention to the clash." Heist "You indulge in a vice along with others while on the job, taking a Lesser harm of “Dazed.”" Crew "Fallout from your boldness or demands means a Contact needs help with a social event…" Those examples all come from a Low Risk card. 

I don’t know if I’ll actually be drawing these cards to resolve things, but I will be looking through them for inspiration before a Forged in the Dark session or during the breaks. They’re like flashcards to get my mind primed for play. 

The other accessory I’ve been pleased with is a little more niche and situational. If you have friends in your circle who collect & play Magic the Gathering, ask them if they have extras of the art cards. Each recent MTG set has a series of art cards (about 80) which aren’t really collectible. Or at least most of them go for cheap. Collectors can end up with lots of duplicates, even if they collect a full set. 

I have a friend who hands these off to me. I have stuff from Kaldheim on. In a couple of cases I bought full sets of these off ebay really cheap. I also finished out some sets by buying particular cards for upwards of .25 cents at online shops. They’re good inspiration and great character, monster, and location references for fantasy games played face-to-face. 

[benkyoutobentou]

31 Days of Productivity Reading もう一回！: Days 28-29

Day 28: I had a very reading relaxed day. In true fashion of someone who spends the majority of their free time starting at words on paper, I really didn't know what else to do with my free time beyond reading, so I ended up finishing A Psalm for the Wild-Built and returning that to my library, then starting Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. And yes, I did make a conscious decision to not read in Japanese because I wanted to give myself space.

However, I did indeed still get some Japanese practice in! Not only have I been getting along surprisingly well with doing N2 flashcards (I consistently know 1/3 of them and I'm still on my first time through the deck. So yes, immersion does work!), I also watched a movie in Japanese. I watched カタクリ家の幸福 which is an absurdist horror comedy musical about a family who opens up a bed and breakfast and all of their patrons start dying. I really enjoyed it, even if some of the jokes didn't age very well. It was weird, stupid in parts, visually stunning, and really engaging. I also watched without any subtitles and found it pretty accessible, except for one character who spoke in a fake accent and another who spoke about a hundred words per second. I think I'd recommend it to anyone who already likes weird movies, and especially the specific brand of 90s/2000s Japanese weird.

Day 29: I read a little bit in Japanese today and read 狼の皮をかぶった羊姫 which is a fantasy GL about a wolf butler and a sheep princess. It took me under an hour to get through and that's probably just as much time as I'd like to spend on it. It seemed to rely on kawaii and moe more than actual substance to get the audience to enjoy it. I'm not sure if I'll buy the rest of the series, but I'll at least read what I've got of it. It was also 144 pages long, which completes my goal of 100 pages per day! Even though I'm mostly considering my challenge completed, even though its... not.

Since I'm considering myself largely finished with this challenge, let's take a look at how I did

Read 100 pages of manga OR 25 pages of a novel each day [26/29 - not bad]

Finish reading three novels [2/3 - I'm okay with that]

Read ten volumes of manga [11/10 - crushing the manga game!]

[dipplinduo]

Ok, Dipplinshipping nation,Bthis is dumb. BUT HEAR ME OUT.

I'been listening to good old nigthcore lately, and you can't convince me that Kieran didn't dedicate Juliana whole cascada discography.

An silly litlle idea formed in my head since I put him in a mundane situation. Both in a normal high school.

Juliana and her friends took the Natural sciences orientation. He took the literature and History one. He is the best in the school team

They see each other in the recesses. He is deeply in love

He reaches home and gets into old internet, and write things (prob fanfic about a ship in some so specific fanfom, based in his feelings 4 Juli and the romance fantasies ) and as in the good old days, he listens to nigtcore meanwhile.

He found himself dedicating her that songs

All of this hidden cause he is the atleric boy of da school, imagine him writing fics

The best part about this ask is the fact you began with "dipplinshipping nation". xD Like, I could see you at a podium with flashcards. I wasn't ready for that

I could easily see Kieran being a nightcore person and I love the academia vibes :')

[nitinthakur10]

How to Read Japanese Manga as a Learning Tool for Language Mastery

Manga isn’t just a fun pastime—it’s also an incredibly effective way to improve your Japanese language skills. With natural conversations, cultural insights, and engaging storytelling, manga can help learners expand their vocabulary, strengthen grammar, and enhance reading comprehension.

But how do you use manga effectively as a learning tool? Let’s dive into a step-by-step approach.

Read Japanese Manga as a Learning Tool for Language Mastery

Why Use Manga to Learn Japanese?

Many language learners rely on textbooks, flashcards, and formal study materials, but manga offers unique benefits that can make studying more enjoyable and effective.

1. Authentic Conversations

Unlike textbook examples, manga contains natural, everyday Japanese conversations. This makes it easier to learn common expressions, slang, and sentence structures as they are used in real life.

2. Visual Context for Better Understanding

Even if you don’t recognize every kanji or vocabulary word, the illustrations provide strong contextual clues that help in understanding meaning.

3. Diverse Genres and Difficulty Levels

Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced learner, you can find manga suited to your level. Slice-of-life stories tend to have simpler language, while fantasy or historical manga may introduce more complex vocabulary.

4. Cultural Insights

Manga is deeply connected to Japanese culture and societal norms. By reading it, you’ll pick up cultural references, etiquette, and traditional aspects of Japanese life.

5. Motivation and Fun

Language learning can sometimes feel tedious, but manga keeps things interesting. The excitement of following a story can make studying feel less like work and more like an enjoyable hobby.

Enhance your study sessions with our Effective JLPT N3 Study Strategies to maximize retention and understanding.

Steps to Effectively Learn Japanese with Manga

1. Choose the Right Manga for Your Level

Not all manga are equally suited for language learning. Beginners should start with stories that use furigana (small kana readings above kanji) to aid pronunciation.

Beginner-Friendly Manga Recommendations

Yotsuba&! (よつばと!) – A lighthearted slice-of-life story with simple conversations.

Doraemon (ドラえもん) – A classic manga with fun, educational themes.

Shirokuma Café (しろくまカフェ) – Features simple dialogue with a mix of humor and daily life interactions.

For intermediate learners, try:

One Piece (ワンピース) – More dialogue-heavy with adventure-themed vocabulary.

Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) – Introduces historical and military-related vocabulary.

For advanced learners, challenge yourself with:

Tokyo Ghoul (東京喰種) – Contains philosophical discussions and complex kanji.

Death Note (デスノート) – Features logical reasoning and crime-related vocabulary.

2. Read with a Dictionary

Use tools like:

Yomichan (browser extension) for quick word lookups.

Jisho.org for detailed explanations of kanji and vocabulary.

A physical or digital Japanese dictionary to practice manual kanji lookups.

Looking up words while reading will significantly boost vocabulary retention.

3. Break Down Sentences and Analyze Grammar

Instead of skimming, take time to analyze sentence structure, verb conjugations, and grammar points. Some useful techniques:

Identify key grammar patterns and compare them with what you've studied.

Check how particles like は (wa), が (ga), を (wo), and に (ni) are used in context.

See how different verb forms (past, negative, potential) are naturally used.

4. Take Notes and Create Flashcards

Keep a notebook for new vocabulary, phrases, and grammar points.

Use Anki or similar flashcard apps to review kanji and words frequently.

Write down example sentences from manga to reinforce their usage.

5. Read Aloud to Improve Pronunciation

Mimic the dialogue as if you were voice acting the characters. This will:

Improve pronunciation and fluency.

Help you internalize intonation and natural speech rhythms.

If possible, listen to the anime adaptation of the manga and try to shadow the dialogue.

6. Re-read for Better Comprehension

The first time, you may struggle with vocabulary and grammar. But reading the same manga multiple times:

Reinforces previously learned words.

Helps in recognizing sentence structures more naturally.

Improves overall comprehension with each reread.

7. Watch Anime or Drama Adaptations

If your manga has an anime adaptation, watching it can:

Improve listening comprehension.

Reinforce dialogue and pronunciation.

Help associate written words with spoken Japanese.

For example, if you're reading Doraemon, watching the anime can help clarify phrases that were difficult in the manga.

Here are few questions which can be in your thought: 

How to Read Japanese Manga

1. Is it hard to read Japanese manga?

It depends! If you're reading manga that's been translated into your language, it's pretty easy to follow once you get used to the format. If you're reading manga in Japanese, it can be a bit challenging for beginners because of the language and different writing styles (like kanji, hiragana, katakana). But with practice, it gets easier — many people use manga as a fun way to improve their Japanese skills!

2. How do you read manga for the first time?

If it's your first time reading manga, the most important thing to know is that Japanese manga is read from right to left, not left to right like Western comics.

Start from the top right panel and move across and down.

Speech bubbles also follow this order — top right first, then move left and down. If you're reading a translated "flipped" manga (rare nowadays), it might be formatted left-to-right, but most keep the original style.

3. What is the format of Japanese manga?

Japanese manga typically comes in black and white, not color (except for special editions or certain digital releases). They're usually released as:

Serialized chapters in weekly/monthly magazines.

Later collected into tankōbon volumes (paperback books). The artwork is very expressive, and the storytelling often mixes visuals and text heavily, sometimes with full-page spreads or very detailed backgrounds.

4. What is the correct way to read manga?

Right to left — for pages, panels, and speech bubbles.

Pay attention to panel flow — the visual layout often guides your eyes naturally.

Sound effects (SFX) might not always be translated, but they add to the atmosphere.

Some manga have a few cultural notes at the beginning or end if there are references you might not catch right away.

If you're reading digitally, apps usually make it very easy by guiding you through the right flow.

Enhance your study sessions with our Effective JLPT N3 Study Strategies to maximize retention and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can beginners learn Japanese just by reading manga?

Not entirely. While manga is a fantastic tool, it should be combined with structured grammar study, listening practice, and speaking exercises.

2. What type of manga is best for learning Japanese?

Beginners should stick to manga with furigana and simple sentence structures. Gradually, they can move to more complex stories as their proficiency improves.

3. Should I use English-translated manga or the original Japanese version?

The original Japanese version is better for language learning. However, occasionally comparing it with the English version can help with understanding tricky sentences.

4. How do I remember new vocabulary from manga?

Take notes and highlight new words.

Create flashcards with example sentences.

Use spaced repetition (like Anki) to reinforce memory.

5. How often should I read manga to improve my Japanese?

Daily reading, even if just a few pages, helps maintain steady progress. Consistency is key!

Manga is one of the most engaging and immersive tools for learning Japanese. By choosing the right manga, using dictionaries, breaking down sentences, and practicing regularly, you can significantly enhance your language skills while enjoying great stories.

So grab a manga, start reading, and turn your Japanese learning journey into an exciting adventure! 🚀📖

[reddanceragain]

At a town hall meeting, Indiana Representative Victoria Spartz declared, "If you violated the law, you're not entitled to due process!" Well, isn't that precious? The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments would love to have a quick word with her, preferably with puppets and flashcards, since reading comprehension clearly isn’t her strong suit.

You'd think if you wanted to serve in Congress—an institution literally designed to uphold and defend the Constitution—you'd at least give the document a quick skim. Hell, even Cliff’s Notes would help. But no, not these folks. They treat the Constitution the same way most people treat user agreements: scroll to the bottom, click "I accept," and never read a single goddamn word.

Conservatives like to wrap themselves in the flag and wave around pocket Constitutions like they're Golden Tickets from Willy Wonka—but ask them about due process or fundamental civil rights, and suddenly their brains short-circuit like Rudy Giuliani's speech therapist. It's like they think "due process" means deciding who to prosecute based on whoever annoys them most that day.

And remember, these are the "small government" types—"government out of your lives," unless of course they're imposing authoritarian control, stripping away rights, or dictating how you live, breathe, and use your genitals. They're not "small government"; they're selective tyrants. Small government to them means shrinking it down enough to fit into your bedroom, doctor's office, or personal liberties.

But hey, why let pesky constitutional rights interfere with their fantasy of a "free" America run exactly how they tell you it should be? Hypocrisy might not be constitutional, but it sure as hell is bipartisan.

[hyba]

Tagging my City of Light peeps, in case you're interested! (And if you want to be on the list, just lmk) ^^

@aalinaaaaaa @rvcont @thelaughingstag

January 2025 Newsletter, coming 29/01

Another newsletter dropping in a week, on the 29th! This one's gonna have two goodies as per usual.

The January Writing Goodie(s)

Last time I shared the Book in a Year guide for managing your time to write a book in one year. (You can still download the guide by joining the newsletter.)

This time I'm sharing my Flashcarding method to help you get your story organized from the content side of things. How, specifically?

This method will help with plotting and figuring out what to work on in your writing days/sessions, so you never have to look at the blank screen again 😂

It's also great for troubleshooting your plot in a range of ways, including pacing, timeline, and multiple storylines/POVs. 🔎

It can help you get productive and increases your motivation to write 💪 Roll up those sleeves and get that story written!

If you want to grab this when it comes out on the 29th and beyond, join my newsletter here. ⬅️

(Psst! There may also be an early limited offer for my horror writing course that you can benefit from if that's something you've been interested in! ^^ It's a bit like a beta reading thing, but for my course. If I can get it to work, more details will be provided in my newsletter.)

The January Reader's Goodie

Last month, I shared my short horror story, The Siren in the Glass. (You can still grab it by joining the newsletter; it's on the group page.) This month, I'm sharing a long, chunky excerpt from The City of Light, my fantasy novel in the works.

If you're not familiar with The City of Light, here are some links that might be helpful:

WIP intro post

WIP page

tiny battle snippet

breaking the rules snippet

sick ill diseased snippet

and the most recent update, shared on Dec 2024

If you want to grab this when it comes out on the 29th and beyond, join my newsletter here. ⬅️

(I'll reblog this post to tag my City of Light tag list, and if you want to be on the list so you can be updated when anything related to this novel is shared, please let me know.)