Iq 1832

[hankir]

I don't understand the preamble.

Entries are real words, with some being the result of modifying clue answers (numbers in brackets reflect the space available in the grid). Across entries reflect Phase 1, Down entries reflect Phase 2. Solvers must highlight the protagonist, thereby filling the grid.

 

30A. A calm that’s mostly behind factors in India (8)

3d. Quiet exercises occurring in a silence (7, 2 Words) 

Thanks.

[Cillagoose]

3d is a straight clue (2,5). Exercises are the normal two letters. I don't have 30a yet, or the theme but I can see the same three letters are removed from some across clues, probably similar in the downs.

 

[ProfessorMaisie]

30a A/MILD/ARS(* a rude word!).

3d AT PEACE (PE in A+TACE (Latin 'silence').

 

[ProfessorMaisie]

Yes, it's the same three letters dropped each time in the across answers, the downs are all names.

[hankir]

Thanks Cillagoose.

I did solve a handful with no idea about the theme.

Will keep on plugging.

[hankir]

Thanks ProfessorM.

 

[Gojira]

 

23d Old man at first digs repeatedly in area above mine.

I think entry is daddy = old man, but can't parse. Also I think this may be a thematic clue with a name removed before entry. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[ProfessorMaisie]

I've just spotted this, and I'm sure you'll know by now, gojira (but just in case) -

The area above a mine is known as the DAY [around] D+D ''at first D(igs) repeatedly''.