"A Puzzle Of Firsts" 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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#21

Post by benchen71 »

Two more solvers:

Jeremy Smith
Dave C

We're up to 38... and 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! :shock:
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benchen71
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#22

Post by benchen71 »

Nudges, in order of increasing blatancy:

1. Your only clue is the title, but my guess is that 45 down is probably true of this puzzle.

2. The four long entries are involved in the metanism, but probably not in the way you might expect.

3. None of the clues reference firsts. There's nothing about the first man on the moon, or the first element of the periodic table, or the first letter of the alphabet, etc. So if it's not the clues, what else has firsts?

4. The across grid entries (that's right, all of them!)
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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KayW
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#23

Post by KayW »

:crossed_swords: :rabbit: :european_castle: Nudged - not the first time, nor the last, I'm afraid - across the moat. Incredible meta - thanks, Ben!
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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SamKat9
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#24

Post by SamKat9 »

Crossed the moat with 3 out of 4 nudges, thanks Ben!
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!
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ReB
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#25

Post by ReB »

Crossed the MOAT with the most gentle of nudging.
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benchen71
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#26

Post by benchen71 »

Solver update:

KayW
DCBilly
woozy
SamKat9
Sharkicicles
ReB
LindaPRmaven

We're up to 45 now. Next (and last) update before the answer reveal Monday morning, Australia time.
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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Qmark
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Location: Ottawa, Canada

#27

Post by Qmark »

MOAT crossed...no nudges needed. Super construction...thanks for another great meta, Ben!
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benchen71
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#28

Post by benchen71 »

Final solver update:

Johnny Luau
MrTheHan
Qmark
Mikey G
edestlin

That brought up the 50. Answer imminent...
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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#29

Post by benchen71 »

Here's the solution to "A Puzzle Of Firsts":

A Puzzle Of Firsts (solution).png

And the winner of the prize draw, a copy of The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack, is...

@Berto

Your pack has been sent to you. (If it's not in your Inbox, check your Spam folder).
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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Berto
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Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2022 4:10 pm

#30

Post by Berto »

Now that is a fine way to start the year!
Very much appreciated @benchen71 !!
Now to find that spare time…
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ajk
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Location: Colorado

#31

Post by ajk »

lol just solved this without realizing the reveal was already posted :lol: :lol:
No nudges required (including the reveal :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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