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I enjoyed this, despite finding some of the extra letters quite tricky. For example, I could think of a dog which made the clue, but not the instruction work in 19a.

Also 28a - 3 similar words (albeit, one archaic) reliant on a single unchecked letter all of which fit the definition. In these circumstances you want the clueing to be cast iron but that synonym for threaten seems a bit borderline for me.

However, nice theme and neat solution. Thanks, Dash.

It's good to have a variety of puzzles, and pictorial ones are always satisfying. I fondly remember the wine-themed puzzle last year.
The top half of this puzzle was easier; I needed the dictionary a bit for the lower half. Some neat clues (eg 27d) but I don't get the reference to the 'dwarfish figure' in 21a.

Very enjoyable.

Unusually for me I identified the theme early, and after that it was (ahem) plain sailing.

Thanks to Dash.

In 21a "base" gives the last letter of the wordplay. The last 6 words are the definition, confirmed by Chambers

Thanks, Will. I didn't read the dictionary carefully enough.

Sorry - can someone give be a broad hint to the remaining 7 letters to be coloured in after the 18. And the unchecked in 28 please A or E ?

Crabapple, no need to apologise. Look in the fourth row for the highlighting. The unchecked letter is an E. The extra letter in the wordplay is the third of a four letter word meaning threaten.

Thanks - I guess that's ok but I assumed the name in row 4 wouldnt be used again - but it is if Ive understood - albeit with a few bits added

I may be quite wrong! But I thought that was the person who ended the conflict. If I am, doubtless someone will correct me

Dodgepot, I understood the same. if you are wrong then so too am I.