Inquisitor 1600

[Ripper]

I'm really struggling on this one! (more than usual if that's possible)
I'm sort of assuming the three letters may have something to do with Schadenfreude? in which case they are obvious.
I've filled in approx half the grid.
Could some kind person help me with a couple of clues, then perhaps I might be able to continue.
5down: Types of drug will see me involved in claims perhaps (11) P??E??????? 6down: suspect claim describing good hotel in a bad way is using the system (11) E?HO???????
These may have three non-consecutive letters removed to form the non-word entry.
Thanks in advance.

[ProfessorMaisie]

5d ME inside a word for 'claims' (forecastings would be better) then remove 3 letters for the entry.
6d anag CLAIM+GOOD HOTEL (minus 3 letters again).

[ProfessorMaisie]

The theme will be no problem for someone with your maths background, Ripper (Schadenfreude isn't part of the theme - he was one of the setters of this puzzle).

[ProfessorMaisie]

...there's a maths element to the removed letters too (but in an old fashioned way).

[Ripper]

Thank you so much ProfessorMaisie, I've got the two words, but, as something to do with maths M?? I'm at a loss. No worry I'll have another look, my maths was over 60 years ago!!!

[Thomboid]

Think of the anniversary Ripper, and an an ancient civilisation...

[Ripper]

Thanks to all your help I now have the three removed letters, but I'm struggling to find the clashes in the four cells or the anniversary/ ancient civilisation Luckily it's torrential rain today so an excuse to spend time on this crossword!
On the plus side I'm learning lots of 'new' words I've never heard of!!!!

[Neveracrossword]

Ripper, the clash involving 27 Down was my way into this. I think the 'ancient civilisation' was giving you a nudge towards the three letters, that you've now got.

[ProfessorMaisie]

And don't get hung up on an 'anniversary' Ripper, it's just that this puzzle is a milestone of sorts - as I'm sure you've guessed from the sum of the numerals.
Be careful with the clashes - 3 do it one way, and 1 does it another way.

[Ripper]

Thanks everyone for all you help & patience with me, but unfortunately this one has well and truly stumped me!!!!!!
So I've done what I hate to do and given up!!

[Neveracrossword]

Ripper, don't give up just yet! Here're the details of the clashes, that might get you started again...
11 A and 2 D. 34 A and 27 D. 35 A and 21 D. These three have the same five letters involved in the clash. 8 A and 9 D - an abbreviation meaning the same as the five letters.

[ProfessorMaisie]

Did you notice the puzzle number Ripper? The clashes are either anagrams of a related number or a representation of the same number using Roman numerals. You'll know what geometric shape represents the mathematical process to make the 4 clashes equal the puzzle number.
If it's a matter of working out the two instructions from the 30 clues (which is a bit of a faff) then remember to skip acrosses 8,11,34+35 and downs 2,9,21+27. The letter counts for the two instructions are -
3,4,3 and 7,4,4,5.
But if you've really had enough of it, i hope you're enjoying the sunshine at last!

[ProfessorMaisie]

...and skip the clues to the two shortened entries of course (5+6dn).

[Ripper]

Thank you Neveracrossword & ProfessorMaisie, now I'll HAVE to have another go or feel guilty!!
Sun? what sun!

[ProfessorMaisie]

Sorry on both counts Ripper, but as you're stuck in anyway... (it's quite nice here).

[Neveracrossword]

Ripper, do whatever you feel is right for you. I was encouraging you as I knew you'd tackled tougher puzzles than this.

[Ripper]

I'm still struggling with the clashes. The only one I'm slightly hopeful with is 11 across I make it fortyish, so the 'extra' letters are ORTY? I haven't worked out 2 down yet though think it may be AFIRE? As to what to put in the clashing square I've no idea.
I feel my brain is on the wrong wavelength!!!!!
P.S. I know the 'removed' letters and the shape.

[Neveracrossword]

Ripper, you're getting there! Yes, to Orty from 11 A, and if you add the F from your correct Afire, you'll have …. Those letters are the ones I mentioned earlier, in two of the other clashing area. The 8/9 clash has the same meaning, but an abbreviation/different numeral.

[Ripper]

Even after all your encouragement & help I'm still stumped! I'm of for a short holiday in about an hour so I've had to give up!!
Thanks again.

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks for the update, Ripper. At least you gave it a good try!