I'm just starting DL14, and this effect has been going on for a couple DLs now. I thought at first it was some kind of enemy ability, but since it's happening pretty much anywhere with any type of enemy, I'm not sure it is. Was hoping someone could identify the effect for me. There's a bubbling sound that happens. The first turn after that nothing happens, then on the second turn the affected enemy has a red AoE fill the 9x9 area around it (but not the square it's on). The third turn it hits whatever square the enemy is on and nothing else. This all happens even if the enemy dies. Pics: --> The only weapon which I have that lists a special ability is my crossbow, which I've Kronged several dozen times; it lists that it burns my enemies with acid, which I don't imagine this is, since I'm not hitting anything with the crossbow. My skills are Unarmed/Shields/Artful Dodger/Promethian Magic/Perception/Burglary/Archaeology. I've got two mirror darklies; two shrike's rings; time lord's scarf; clockwork armour, gloves and belt; plate leggings and boots; and that crossbow I mentioned. Most of those are actually artifacts rather than the base items, of course.
Ah, that'd be it then. I knew there was a reason I kept a couple melee shields around as well. (Okay, so the reason is that I'm a hoarder. But still.) Thanks much!
Note that crossbow effects can and do proc on melee hits too. I often Krong my Xbow before my melee weapon in the hope of getting a good proc.
