Tales from the Cryptic

Cryptic Mini #000000068:   "Teach Me Encryption" obscuration level: 🌓 (chaotic neutral) according to the so-called "internet", today is both Aura Awareness Day and Blasé Day. I don't care about one, which means I'm acing the other! 50% ain't bad. A perfect day for a 🌓.

Proud to present a special treat today: a collaboration with the wild wizard of crosswords, Gizmo Thwomp! If you haven't done a Gizmo puzz before, I recommend checking out his blog to see the weird wild shit he gets up to. If you *have* done his puzzles, you might expect this one to have some... weird entries. But don't worry: all the answers here are real words/phrases. But for the clues... you're on your own! 😎 𝓮𝓷𝓳𝓸𝔂

Cryptic Mini #000000067:   "A Bird in Both Hands" obscuration level: 🌓 (7-10 split [i have no idea what this means]) small and chewy, like a tootsie roll. what does this mean? i don't know! i didn't sleep last nite. enjoy!

yes, it's true... sometimes I write non-cryptics (though, to be fair, this one started as a cryptic, then got demoted transmogrified). But fear not: it's themed! https://lemonadedisco.com/puzzle-suites/010-film-festival (ours is called "Notable Omissions", you have to scroll a bit) This was a collab with Dan Schwartz, crossword solving champion, crossword streamer , (fellow) crossword blogger , and all-around nice guy! Enjoy, y'all!

Cryptic Mini #000000066:   "Bike Hawk" obscuration level: 🌑 (it's always darkest before you hit Reveal) Okay I think this might be a 🌒 but I wasn't sure, so I erred on the side of scaring you away. If you're still here, then thank you for your bravery. If you're gone... I miss you! 👾

Cryptic Mini #000000065:   "Chuck Close" obscuration level: 🌓 (donald ducking it) Can't stop, won't stop! Here's another small pile of clues for you to unfurl for a few minutes. I hope it serves as a worthy distraction from *gestures broadly*

Big shout-out to Lemonade Disco for putting out my debut puzzle, "Sloth Girl"! It's a 9x13, edited by the cryptic king of crypticking: Steve Mossberg. They don't do ratings, but I'd call it a 🌓. Hope you enjoy! https://lemonadedisco.com/gin-grapefruit