This is an entry for a contest – tell us about one of your traps…!
Deep in a littoral cave there is a pool. Even at night this pool shimmers with a faint radiance. Under torchlight, the water appears to be completely reflective, mirroring everything above and the observer can see nothing below. If it is exposed to bright light, for example sunlight (either directly, through mirrors, or through magic) the observer can see that the pool extends to extraordinary depths and the bottom cannot be seen. In sunlight (or the equivalent magical light) the observer also sees glittering, star-like objects in the depths.
An experienced diver or sailor would estimate their depth at about ten fathoms (60 ft.). If the observer’s vision is enhanced in some way, the observer can see the objects more clearly and observes that they seem to be large, perfectly formed, translucent crystals. If the observer stands still long enough to observe it, then he or she notices that these stars seem to slowly grow, change, and move as time passes. The water appears to be completely still.
This trap plays on the natural curiosity and avarice of the adventurer. A variety of hazards await the unwary. First, the water is neither a pool nor the ocean. Rather it is a gate to an extra-planar realm of water. The water, which appears to be still on this side of the gate, in fact has a tremendous, swirling, relentless current. Any diver who drops in unaided will be swept away by the current. A diver with a rope will be mightily tested to hold fast. A tethered diver can dive somewhat safely. This current can be tested from the other side by dipping objects into the water (such an object would immediately be swept away).
A diver who manages to reach the depth of the crystals will discover that the crystals are alive, alert, and highly predatory. These crystals are not crystals at all but are in fact the demonic residents of this realm.
Josh D.
