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 "week one" meta for you; it includes 5 clues with a leading asterisk which should hopefully bring the difficulty down a bit! I had some fun putting this one together. I trust you will enjoy solving it and seeking the answer to the meta, which is a girl's name.
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 Sep 10, 2023 6:40 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
SeamusOL wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 4:22 am
Haven't crossed the moat just yet, but thought I should let you know that I think you have misspelt 67a.
Argghhh, not again!
I've updated Crosshare, but the PUZ and PDFs are gonna have to stay as they are. If you want a correct clue...
67A. "La ___ Bonita"
It's not meta-related.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
Stormed the castle with the help of my little sister and my favorite great-aunt who have that name. (When it's my sisters middle name... well her first middle name... and they didn't really help, I just like the family connection of the name)
Stormed — not as easy as a “week one” as advertised, I think, but mighty clever, and gettable if you get your google on. This was my beloved 4th-grade teacher’s name, and I don’t know if I’ve met another since!
The correct clue for 67A is “Mrs. Baron Cohen.” That’s what’s in the PDF now (Crosshare still has it as “La ____ Bonita”)
Agree that it's maybe more a 2 than a 1, but well executed and fun all the same. Thanks.
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sharkicicles wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 4:45 pm
So far haven't gotten the meta, but as I currently understand it Sacha Baron Cohen is married to Lisa Bonet.
My corrected clue for 67A was wrong! So, even though the PUZ and PDF will remain unchanged, Crosshare will now have
67A. Casablanca's Lund
Again, it's not meta-related.
I went to bed last night before there had been any solvers, and had dreams about how the puzzle was unsolvable! Glad to see some solvers made it across the moat over night.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
HeadinHome wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 1:51 pm
Stormed — not as easy as a “week one” as advertised, I think, but mighty clever, and gettable if you get your google on. This was my beloved 4th-grade teacher’s name, and I don’t know if I’ve met another since!
The correct clue for 67A is “Mrs. Baron Cohen.” That’s what’s in the PDF now (Crosshare still has it as “La ____ Bonita”)
The are both wrong in the same way. Sasha Baron Cohen is married to Miss Fisher whose name is spanish and related to the ocean and not a nordic name.
....
64A was a little weird IMO but I guess it isn't inaccurate. Just weird.
woozy wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 8:43 pm
64A was a little weird IMO but I guess it isn't inaccurate. Just weird.
There is a very good reason for that to be in the grid! It's, as @Cap'n Rick would say, an easter egg!
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
Moat crossed! I thought the meta was a little tricky but getting the answer was very satisfying. Thank you!
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!
