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?
Dear meta solver,
This week you are presented with a choice. There are two versions of this week's MOAT: "Directionally Challenged" and "Directionally Unchallenged". Note that the meta answer is the same for both. This means you will only be able to experience the AHA moment once so choose wisely! Note that "Directionally Challenged" is the puzzle as originally conceived.
Choose which puzzle you will attempt by clicking one of these buttons to read the puzzle blurb:
Directionally Challenged
There are times when a meta idea occurs to me and I think, "Can I do that?" For this puzzle, though, the operative question is, "Should I do that?" You may decide I was wrong to proceed; you may question my sanity; you may even question your own before you reach the end of the grid. But please don't 42 down! If you persevere you will find yourself in a position to solve the meta, the answer to which is something that, unlike this puzzle, cannot be reversed.
Directionally Unchallenged
It's possible that you took one look at "Directionally Challenged" and decided you didn't want to be that challenged just to complete the grid! Be that as it may, you might find the meta in this puzzle slightly harder. But you will never know, because you can only complete one of these puzzles before you learn the meta answer, which is something that, unlike parts of this puzzle, cannot be reversed.
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 two lists of those who successfully solve the meta.
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Sep 03, 2023 7:16 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!
Castle stormed!
[edit] I solved the Challenged version, which in retrospect may have been a more challenging grid fill but a less challenging path to the meta.
Last edited by hoover on Tue Aug 29, 2023 8:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
Moat crossed, castle stormed, but got lost on the way to the treasure vault (did the challenged version, by the way). Alas. Thanks for the puzzle, Ben!
Crossed/Stormed in a directionally challenged kind of way. Quite fun, Ben!
Although......... this puzzle is like Evan's this weekend, where it messes with your brain for a bit, and takes awhile for the effects to subside. Really enjoyed it tho!
ATM, STC. I am fairly unchallenged directionally (love me a good map, and orient myself by compass or at least by compass “feel” rather than landmarks or verbal directions), so that’s the one I did. This puzzle is brilliant, and with two different versions?? Wow.
Thankfully chose the "directionally challenged" version, and found myself propelled over the MOAT with the help of a 41A in time for a 18A and a meal of 52A with fresh 64As.
ImOnToo wrote: ↑Tue Aug 29, 2023 6:24 pm
Directionally Challenged, but still found my way into the castle.
This is may be my favorite meta idea ever!
Wow, high praise indeed! Thank-you!!
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!
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!
Did 'em both -- and glad for the order I did them in! Also amused by seeing others' names listed on both crosshare versions. If there's a puzzle in front of us we just can't not do it apparently!
Demoated.
