The geocache is not at the posted coordinates
Recently I have become obsessed with cryptic crosswords after finding an Instagram page which posted daily clues. At first, I had no idea what was going on, but I was intrigued by the challenge and have slowly built up my arsenal of tricks to decipher them. Now I thought it was time I threw my hand in creating one myself. I present a totally original cryptic crossword for you to solve!
How to play!
I understand that cryptic crosswords are a totally new thing for a lot of people (myself included). They aren't like a traditional crossword, where the clue is a definition for the answer. Instead, the clue is typically built of a definition component and a wordplay component. The wordplay, when operated correctly, helps you arrive at the correct word that the definiton hints at. Now there is A LOT more to it than that, so I have devised a guide to help introduce you to the game, and provide useful tricks and hints that can help decipher my crossword.
OZBUCKEYE'S GUIDE TO CRYPTICS
How to solve!
To solve this puzzle, you must first complete the cryptic crossword. Once you do so, take the Digital Root of each column, summed to one digit and fill into the grey boxes. Then enter the string in the grey row into the Certitude.
What is the digital root?
1) Write the letters in each column in a string
2) Convert each letter to its alphanumerical value (A=1, B=2, ... , Z=26)
3) Add these numbers together (ie CAT = 3 + 1 + 20)
4) Sum these until you get one digit (3 + 1 + 20 = 24 > > > 2 + 4 = 6)
| Across |
Down |
| 1. Cleverness found in nicknames heard for television and gentlemen (12) |
2. Songmaker amongst tutu ballerinas (4) |
| 6. Intangible ID for where you are from, potentially. (6) |
3. Suitor! Magic and Illusions inside! February 3rd! (9) |
| 7. Heritage behind government’s face like a coin? (10) |
4. This could drop from Jay-Z's "Master Power" increasing positions (3) |
| 10. Advertisement operation discloses guilt (9) |
5. Popular fired explosion after second lay (7) |
| 13. Rude representation of a group's core? (4) |
8. Itchy back of crusty head needs helmet? (5) |
| 14. Peace leader mandates a notion deterring execution largely about guillotine (7) |
9. Muddle ginger and extract garlic head to be supreme (5) |
| 15. Revolution gives South bite back (4) |
11. To control Tetris play, take right console lead (8) |
| 17. Teacher's quarters in aluminium? This is the end! (8) |
12. Colonel's Chicken Recipe includes lemon last mate (6) |
| 20. Benefit to split North Dakota? (8) |
13. I am taken aback by legal inclusion in country (6) |
| 22. Jet black from Centrepoint chopped octopus (8) |
16. Some crows found inhabiting upturned, cluttered rumpus (6) |
| 24. Homecoming interest (6) |
18. Sends message from Songbrew in Microsoft (5) |
| 25. Periodical Cs and all is announced (8) |
19. A cache owners TOTT limits back of storage at home (7) |
| 27. Handle "Rise of Deadly Nymphs" beginners playbook carelessly (8) |
21. Critique alien after fourth conversation (3) |
| 28. Selenium's thirst satisfied, cut short by echo chain (8) |
23. Expanded seat consideration taken over by some gnomes (5) |
| 30. To abstain quickly (4) |
24. Announcement: Cache in Rescue! (6) |
| 31. Small angles overwhelm husband pursuing golf target. Lifeline needed? (9) |
26. Mother with softer mischief (6) |
| 32. Fooling around shore (9) |
28. Quick witted single's head played by Cupid (5) |
| |
29. Contract to suddenly have a ball? (5) |
