Here's my first variety puzzle! I think the special rule is really interesting, and though final hidden message might be a slightly niche reference it is not required for solving the puzzle and is just a bonus. Hope you enjoy!
Having stumbled upon a few clues which had a valid solution the author didn’t intend, I wondered if it was possible to create an entire grid of double-solution clues. Turns out it is possible, just very difficult!
Join me in spiting both Ximenes and the dictionary with some silly clueing! Clues aren’t entirely bound by the laws of cryptics or spelling, but the grid entries are.