Puzzle 1

Afro-Brazilian folk religion.

Another word for a kettledrum.

Aquatic animal who might lie about who they are.

Blotched, patterned with different hues.

Drugs that can help lower cholesterol.

European country with a checkerboard coat of arms.

Host of TV's This Old House.

Houston NBA players.

Prolific BAFTA-winning actor, Dirk __.

Stone that's made under pressure.

Written language for the blind.

__ King, prolific horror author.

__ plain; flat expanse of the deep ocean floor.