Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? A weekly meta crossword constructed by forum member Ben (aka benchen71). These metas range from relatively easy to more challenging, depending on how many Australianisms he puts in them! Puzzles are posted in a new thread every Tuesday, with nudges appearing on Saturdays, and the solution coming out on Mondays. (At least, that's the plan. Given he lives in Australia, and they are so far ahead of the US time-zone-wise, things may get posted early!)
Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? This was another night-time meta idea that survived the cold light of day. That said, constructing the grid was far harder than I anticipated which has probably upped the difficulty slightly. There are definitely some unusual entries in this grid! But I love this metanism, so hopefully you get as much joy out of it as me! The answer to the meta is a two-word phrase.
The easiest way to submit is on Crosshare (and you get instant feedback and unlimited attempts!) But you can also PM me with your submission. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Oct 22, 2023 5:08 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
I think I see where I'm supposed to go with this but I'm stuck for now.
Edit: Crossed the MOAT after I typed this. Very clever!
Shannon PS: If you want help with a meta, PM what you have so I can help without spoiling too much. I've received lots of help in the beginning and I love to pay it forward!
We're nearly at the end of the first 24 hours of solving, and here is the first batch of solvers:
Laura M
Berto
Alex Sisti
KayW
Hector
SamKat9
DebbieC
imontoo
Ergcat
merlinnimue
heidi
MatthewL
boharr
markhr
kurtalert
Meg
Cindy Weatherman
CPJohnson
JM
Katiedid
Darrell
21 on the first day puts us squarely in "week 3" territory!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
1. Given the puzzle title, 28 down has to be a hint.
2. The direction of this hint suggests that you're going to need to focus on down entries.
3. Did you notice that the distribution of "N"s is somewhat more restricted than usual?
4. When it comes to what letters to include, be generous (ie. "greedy" searching).
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
I re-read the prompt. Took a guess. Guessed correctly. Took a long while to backsolve. It was kind of something I was thinking about but had too many fuzzy bits for me to pin down.
woozy wrote: ↑Wed Oct 18, 2023 10:01 pm
I re-read the prompt. Took a guess. Guessed correctly. Took a long while to backsolve. It was kind of something I was thinking about but had too many fuzzy bits for me to pin down.
I followed your lead and guessed… incorrectly. Will keep noodling
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
