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Small-Scale Question Sunday for August 17, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Just finished The Reverse of the Medal.

Jack Aubrey displays his characteristic gullibility on land and walks right into a trap laid for him by his father's political enemies. Practically the entire book is set in England which makes for a nice change of scenery after having most of the last three books set in the Mediterranean, South Atlantic and the Pacific seas. Really interesting novel that plays more like a spy thriller than a naval adventure, and I can see how its in some people's top 5 for this series.

After a bunch of ????? happens that I don't want to spoil (but includes someone accurately insulting Maturin as a cuck), our heroes end up on The Surprise bearing a letter of marque and sailing as privateers. I'm looking forward to Letter of Marque, because while there's plenty of ink spilled about pirates, there's very little about pirates that are endorsed by their legitimate government.

Letter of Marque is one of my favorites. The privateer crew are so fun and colorful.

Big highlight for me was Padeen getting addicted to the Laudanum and Maturin casually telling Martin that a x20 dose is usual for an addict.