Undertow

3rd-level transmutation

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: 30 feet

Components: V, S

Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute.

Classes: druid, ranger, warlock

You target a creature in the water with a powerful riptide dragging them below the surface and dealing 3d6 bludgeoning damage, or half as much on a successful Strength saving throw. A creature failing its saving throw also is dragged 30 feet down in the water. Each round you can attempt to drag them under again, forcing them to repeat the save as long as you maintain concentration.

Creatures dragged down by the undertow can move on their turn but, whether swimming or moving along the seafloor if they succeed on a Strength (Athletics) check against the spell’s save DC. Checks made to swim upwards have disadvantage. A creature with freedom of movement can be dragged downwards and take damage from the undertow, but they automatically succeed on Strength (Athletics) checks to swim against the undertow.

At Higher Levels. If you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th or higher, you can target another creature per spell level above 4th.