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? Here's a very recently constructed puzzle for you! I'm about 12 months ahead preparing MOATs, even after releasing the MOAT Music Meta Pack (which is still available here). But this is a special one so I've brought it forward. The answer to the meta is a good additional ability for a seer to have.
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 01, 2023 5:57 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!
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!
MOAT crossed! You've outdone yourself my friend, that was inspired. I loved it when the final AHA revealed itself. GREAT JOB!!!
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
MC&CS! A great treasure hunt of a challenge, with a fun bonus thrown in. There is indeed more to this, but if I said any more I’d be spilling the beans!
Here's where we stand at the end of the first day's play:
Laura M (just 21 minutes after the puzzle was posted!)
Philip Chow
Hector
KayW
MatthewL
SamKat9
DrTom
HeadinHome
DJB
boharr
We are definitely in "week 4" territory with only 10 solvers in 24 hours! But I have it on very good authority that at least 24 people have made it through the first step.
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!
schmidzy wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 10:25 am
Moat crossed (after a little help seeing what should have been obvious). Super fun, Ben!
Same - had all the pieces, stymied by a couple rabbit holes - but needed the slightest nudge to point out what I already had. Still got a pretty - no, a really - great aha! out of the deal! So clever, Ben, quite a treat to solve!
I figured out early on what in general the first step had to be, but spent a day looking in all the wrong places. Once I finally saw what had been right in front of me all along, the steps to the solution just followed so logically and elegantly.
Nice work, Ben!
If you want help with a meta, feel free to PM me. The more specific you are about what you have and what you want, the more likely I can help without spoiling.
(And if I help you win a mug, I’ll be especially delighted.)
Normally I’d be available to other befuddled Muggles looking for a nudge, but note that we’ll be hitting the road soon, and my response would likely be slow. Like “wait a day” slow.
Berto
Darth
Pair O Ducks
Jaclyn
rjy
Cindy Weatherman
Meg
BarbaraK
I K Snamhcok
That brings us to 19. I think it's time for early nudges!
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. There is a hint in the middle of the grid: Shortened link website that needs 9 more letters to function properly (with ".com/").
2. There's a keyword in the puzzle title that should assist you.
3. Look for "more" in the clues.
4. You need to construct a tinyurl.com link that will have 9 letters after the slash. Note that this link is *not* the meta answer.
5. At some point, for reasons that will become readily apparent, you'll need to look for an additional meta mechanism. The puzzle title will be all you have to go on.
6. Let's just say the answer will be right in front of your eyes!
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!
Stormed. Thanks, Ben - this one was so much fun!
