Inquisitor 1594

[Ripper]

I'm really struggling with this!
I've got only 16 of the 'normal' answers & one of the ones to be shortened!!!
As for the preamble, I really don't understand it!
To get me going again could someone help with: 5 across Bird- lover opening fire caught a shot (7) ?E???CE 11 across Embarrassed-looking men cuddling ladies turning a shade of pink (6, 2 words) R???E? (I'm think red faced, but can't work out why!) 26 across: Confidence in moderation leads to peaceful existence (4)(I'm thinking easylife?)
Some of these answers may need to be shortened.
Sorry to be so thick!

[ProfessorMaisie]

PigEoNfANCiEr
The capitals show what's entered Ripper.

[ProfessorMaisie]

RosEmAdDER - (ditto)

[ProfessorMaisie]

26 is a normal answer - 'moderation' = HO (+P+E)

[jadzia49]

Anyone help me with 21d) Abandoned cravings after adjustment to put tubes carrying fluid to the top (7)i have ?p??ed? But this may be incorrect.

[ProfessorMaisie]

UPTAKES ('AKES' archaic - 'cravings').

[jadzia49]

Thanks Prof

[Ripper]

Thank you for your help ProfessorMaisie, I've now got more of the grid filled in. I'm still at a loss as to why the letters removed are chosen, though I did manage to sort out 2 down. Well, I've got the afternoon and evening to have another go (husband watching village cricket!)

[ProfessorMaisie]

Ripper - If you're any good at maths you'll know how the sequence of numbers progresses (counting from the first letter of each full answer, the skipped letters you have so far are numbers 2,3,5,11 and 13...).
The same sequence reveals the message in the clues for normal entries.

Good luck with the rest of it.

[Ripper]

Thank you ProfessorMaisie, I'd already 'anagrammed MILPAR, now I know why!!! (55 years ago I did advanced maths!!! but the little grey cells are now worn out!!!!!)
Hubby off to see the cricket soon so I get some peace to look at Inquisitor!!!

[ProfessorMaisie]

I'll know where to come if I ever need help with maths Ripper - I'm none too clever with numbers!

[Ripper]

.....and I'm none too clever with crosswords! (but I love them)

[ProfessorMaisie]

You're too modest!

[Ripper]

.....and you're just amazing with crosswords!!!!