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benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? Here's another meta idea that came from attempting to solve someone else's meta. But if they didn't use this mechanism, then it's fair game! The answer to the meta is a three word phrase that describes what it might take to find the answer to the meta.

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.

One Short - Online Form
One Short - PUZ
One Short - PDF
One Short - spreadsheet

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

Solved. Quite a clever one from Ben.

Solved! Thanks Ben.

Crossed! Stormed!

Fun puzzle, Ben. Thanks!

Yikes!! That was almost gnarly. I’ve clip-clopped across and am sorely in need of some mead.

Castle stormed... after missing the obvious! [Thanks, Ben! Awesome meta!]

Fun one Ben!

Got it.

Well, I know what it absolutely has to be.

I just don't know what it actually is.

Crossed the MOAT! I really liked this one. Very unique to me at least. I wonder if changing one clue might have increased the challenge without making it impossible.

We are still an hour away from the end of the first 24 hours, but here's the first batch of successful solvers:

kieranjboyd
Laura M
markhr
Jim Dean
Hector
ChrisKochmanski
Meg
boharr
Darth
heidi
Carolyn
Darrell
lbray53

Lucky number 13! Based on these stats I will probably release the nudges earlier than usual. But not just yet!

Yes, please! Need nudges!

Yes indeed that was required to solve. (Along with a few nudges.) But I looked at it fresh today and it all clicked. Thanks Ben!

Finally got it, but needed confirmation that I was digging (and digging and digging) in the right spot. Clever construction, Ben

Feel like I know what to do but can't quite get it all to work.

Solver update (we're up to 17 now) before early nudges:

Golem
Alex Sisti
DIS
KayW

Nudges, in order of increasing blatancy:

1. The clue is in 43 down: COLUMN, clued as "One of 14 in this puzzle, which is odd because there are 15 rows".

2. You need to add a column, thereby creating a square (hinted at by 1 across).

3. It makes sense to add this column right down the middle (splitting the existing puzzle in half), so as to retain rotational symmetry.

4. You will also need two black squares so that you end up with a three word phrase.

5. Try and find letters that fit into this new column, always creating (crossword-suitable) words.

6. The middle word is AND. (This will also help you place the two black squares!)

Well, I had assumed the first 5 nudges but there are DOZENS of options. If there was a key to determine which I missed it. I'll try nudge 6 though....


EDIT: Oh.... It was *supposed* to be that way.... well, at least you were honest about it...

Moat has been crossed. Turns out I didn't need the nudges -- was on the right track, but the nudges did confirm that for me and to just keep poking at it.

Clues pushed me over the goal line. Nicely done Ben!