"Inner System" by benchen71

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!)
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benchen71
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"Inner System" by benchen71

#1

Post by benchen71 »

Welcome to...

benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? This puzzle was originally created as a themed crossword. But then I realised it could also work as a meta, with minimal editing required. So here it is! The answer to the meta is next in the system.

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.

Inner System - Online Form
Inner System - PUZ
Inner System - PDF
Inner System - spreadsheet

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

havefun.gif
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Jun 25, 2023 6:45 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! :shock:
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benchen71
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#2

Post by benchen71 »

Don't be put off by all the asterisks! :D

stars.gif
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! :shock:
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woozy
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#3

Post by woozy »

Cute. And weird. But I liked it.

EDIT: hmm. There's something I almost but don't quite see.
So I just plain couldn't get my meta based on "Up the Down Staircase" to work.

My challenge it to constructors is to make a meta where the meta, theme or metanism is "Up the Down Staircase".
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boharr
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#4

Post by boharr »

Moat crossed.
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lbray53
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#5

Post by lbray53 »

MOAT crossed.

I studied this system as part of my college degree. I am amazed at how much basic information I had forgotten, requiring me to do some research. But to be fair, my studies were 50 years ago and there have been some changes since then.

Clever and amazing construction. Spot on.
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
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ChrisKochmanski
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#6

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Crossed! Stormed!

With a bit of help.
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rjy
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#7

Post by rjy »

Crossed and stormed! Took some noodling but the blinders finally fell... thanks Ben!
Ray
MatthewL
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#8

Post by MatthewL »

Moat crossed, castle stormed, inner peace found. Thanks Ben!
Matthew
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Darth
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#9

Post by Darth »

Battle won, castle claimed, and energy renewed. 8-)
Edinburgh-Castle_solar_install_image_historic_environment_scotland.jpg
hoover
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#10

Post by hoover »

Dang, that was clever! Crossed the moat!
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KayW
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#11

Post by KayW »

:crossed_swords: :rabbit: :european_castle: Castle stormed. Fun!
Contest Crosswords Combating Cancer (CCCC) is a bundle of 16 metapuzzles created to help raise money for cancer-related charities. It is available at CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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whimsy
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#12

Post by whimsy »

Wasn't put off by the Asterix, and even managed to get past the portcullis!
Untitledzzasterix.png
Thanks for an interesting and fun puzzle, Ben!
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jhseeman
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#13

Post by jhseeman »

Moat Crossed, fun puzzle, cool meta

Thanks Ben.
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Meg
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#14

Post by Meg »

Moat crossed with a little kick in the butt. I liked it!
Check out and support http://CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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HeadinHome
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#15

Post by HeadinHome »

Well I’m befuddled. I got the grid okay (fun!) and see a thing I thought was a pretty natural answer to the prompt, but have no idea what to do with all those asterisks!
The other Wendy. :roll:
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benchen71
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#16

Post by benchen71 »

HeadinHome wrote: Tue Jun 20, 2023 6:34 pm Well I’m befuddled. I got the grid okay (fun!) and see a thing I thought was a pretty natural answer to the prompt, but have no idea what to do with all those asterisks!
There will be nudges in due course! :D
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! :shock:
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ajk
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#17

Post by ajk »

HeadinHome wrote: Tue Jun 20, 2023 6:34 pm Well I’m befuddled. I got the grid okay (fun!) and see a thing I thought was a pretty natural answer to the prompt, but have no idea what to do with all those asterisks!
This. Except that I temporarily forgot about the asterisks and thus submitted the natural but incorrect answer. :lol: :lol:
Check out this very cool project by many of your favorite muggles to raise money to fight cancer. You get a fun puzzle bundle and good causes get $. Win-win: Crosswords for Cancer
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HeadinHome
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#18

Post by HeadinHome »

I submitted that answer plus several others! Nice that Crosshare lets you keep submitting and submitting. ( :

I have it now, and see the method in retrospect. Got it by doing a little research.
The other Wendy. :roll:
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ReB
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#19

Post by ReB »

I'll try again since my last comment ended up lost in cyberlimbo - I crossed the MOAT on my first attempt.
Berto
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#20

Post by Berto »

MOAT crossed!
Puzzazz doesn’t like it, but Crosshare does!
Clever, Ben!
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