Imperator is designed to be an introduction to barred puzzles of the Mephisto/Azed type. While the answers include some obscure words (Chambers 2003 is the reference used) wordplay seeks to minimise additional obscurities within components. It isn't always possible - there are instances where their inclusion benefits the surface reading, so additional dictionary delving may be needed.
Overall, the clueing style is meant to be accessible and enjoyable to solve, and it is hoped that those who enjoy the Imperator puzzle will be encouraged to venture into tougher varieties.
Target audience is solvers who are confident in tackling the more difficult of the 15x15 blocked cryptics in The Times, Independent etc., but who feel that 12x12 barred puzzles are overly demanding in terms of vocabulary.
Feedback on this trial puzzle isn't just welcome - it's vital! Please email your comments HERE.
Thank you!
Across
| 2 | Knew about twelve parts, right? What could that be? (7,4) | |
| 10 | One's support announced for country (4) | |
| 11 | Miserable male character in Hebrew scripture? (5) | |
| 13 | One cobbled street or crossing closer to you (5) | |
| 14 | Rat about to expose worm (4-3) | |
| 15 | One striking feature above all others in space? (6) | |
| 16 | Question of ownership crew finally put to airline (5) | |
| 17 | Fade out scene introduced by little girl (8) | |
| 19 | Hammered, he was, with hammer (9) | |
| 21 | Ties rejected outside Europe - get cravat (9) | |
| 25 | Warden heads for canteen knowing fresh salmon's around (8) | |
| 27 | Eastern prince always introduced by band? (5) | |
| 28 | To have bigger impact, dress fish! (6) | |
| 29 | Poetry student is seduced by Master Race (7) | |
| 30 | Japanese city sure to allow model to head west (5) | |
| 31 | Old computer game's ending changed in current version (5) | |
| 32 | Live broadcast from occasionally wet location (4) | |
| 33 | Democrat framed by staggeringly slippery US economist? (6-5) |
Down
| 1 | How to ensure wrong idea spurs me? (11) | |
| 2 | I see old sailors have secured device to catch fish (6) | |
| 3 | Quick bread and taco, pickled and baked without crust? (7) | |
| 4 | Article that's kept on leash (5) | |
| 5 | Real's half-time position trailing City (4) | |
| 6 | Treating cancer, it's not all frozen (8) | |
| 7 | Offer to support hard-up militarist (3,4) | |
| 8 | Pindar work connected with Greek theatre (5) | |
| 9 | Monkey's clever - he's using string (6) | |
| 12 | Wild antelope hide mostly resembling much larger beast (11) | |
| 18 | Rough-sounding gold and blue helicopter (8) | |
| 19 | Bug with single pop-up (7) | |
| 20 | A jolly well spoken member enters it (7) | |
| 22 | Source of gum used by reserve team (6) | |
| 23 | The one eaten by angry bear? (6) | |
| 24 | Good - tree's climbed for fruit (5) | |
| 26 | Knife kept under kilt, regimental monogrammed one (5) | |
| 28 | Inventor of old, having place on lift (4) |