Round 191

Seraphine [D] whispers an arcane word and gestures sharply. A shimmering bubble of air expands around her head, allowing her to surface and draw a desperate breath. Water streams from her face as she gasps, vision clearing. "Merrin! There!" She points frantically toward the deeper shadows where something large disturbs the water's surface. "I can't see clearly—something's pulling her under!" Her robes cling heavily, impeding movement. "Stay calm and tread water! I'll try to cast something helpful!" She begins weaving complex gestures, muttering arcane syllables that trail bubbles through the water.*

Merrin [C] thrashes violently, trying to break free from whatever unseen force is dragging her downward. Her torch plunges beneath the surface with a hiss of extinguished flame, leaving her in near-total darkness save for faint ambient magical glow from the walls. "Fuck! Let go!" She manages to wrench one arm free and grab onto what feels like smooth stone wall, momentarily halting her descent. "Seraphine! Help!" Her voice echoes strangely through the water. "I can't hold on much longer—something's got my legs!" The water around her churns ominously as unseen appendages coil tighter.

Throughout the chamber, ancient carvings along the walls begin to pulse with eerie green light in rhythm with Merrin's struggles. The sound of scuttling creatures intensifies, and dust begins falling from the ceiling in larger quantities.