Editing Damage mechanics

{{PageSeo
| description = A single attack, spell, trap, or other harmful effect can often result in multiple Damage Rolls. Determining the resulting damage from these various rolls can be difficult due to hidden mechanics which are commonly referred to by the community as damage "sources" and damage "riders".
| image = File:1d4 + 1d6 Poison.png
| type = article
}}[[File:1d4 + 1d6 Poison.png|right]]A single attack, spell, trap, or other harmful effect can often result in multiple [[Damage Rolls]]. Determining the resulting damage from these various rolls can be difficult due to hidden mechanics which are commonly referred to by the community as '''damage "sources"''' and '''damage "riders".''' The term damage "instances" is sometimes used in place of damage "sources," but for the purpose of this page the only terms to be used are damage source(s) and damage rider(s). The game does not inform players what is a damage source vs. what is a damage rider, or how these two interact with each other. This page describes the mechanical differences between damage sources and damage riders, how they interact, and lists which effects and abilities fall into each category.

==Damage Sources (DS) vs. Damage Riders (DR)==
A '''damage source''' is an attack or other effect that directly deals damage to one or more targets. Examples include striking a target with a [[Weapons|weapon]], many [[spells]], or thrown items such as an {{SmItemIcon|Alchemist's Fire}}. Damage sources usually require the use of an [[action]] (e.g. throwing an object such as a [[Grenades|grenade]]), [[bonus action]] (e.g. making an attack with your offhand weapon while dual wielding) or [[reaction]] (e.g. the {{SAI|Hellish Rebuke}} spell).

A '''damage rider''' is something which adds to the damage dealt by a source. A rider cannot deal its damage independently - there must be an applicable damage source for it to "ride". Examples of damage riders include the {{SAI|Hex}} spell adding damage to the damage from a Warlock's {{SAI|Eldritch Blast}} or weapon attacks, [[coatings]] applied to weapons providing additional damage to a weapon attack, a 6th level {{Class|Draconic Bloodline}} applying their [[Elemental Affinity: Damage|elemental affinity]] to a spell of the appropriate [[Damage Types|damage type]], or a raging {{Class|Barbarian|25}} adding bonus rage damage to their weapon attacks. Many damage riders are gained from passive features or other kinds of buffs. Any eligible damage riders from a damaging effect will be applied to a damage source which is a part of that damaging effect.

{{anchor|damage-rider-as-source}}

==Damage Riders treated as Damage Sources (DRS)==

There are some damage riders which defy the typical trends described above. They still must "ride along" with a damage source in order to be applied, but when the damage is calculated they are treated as damage sources instead of damage riders. This means that these "'''damage riders which are treated as damage sources'''" can then cause normal damage riders to be applied once again as part of the same ability (e.g. attack or spell) which caused the damage.

'''Nearly all DRS effects are treated like normal Damage Riders when playing on Honour mode, making much of the following information irrelevant for those players.'''


===Example Calculation===
A character with 20 Strength, the [[Tavern Brawler]] Feat, {{SAI|Lightning Charges (Condition)}}, and the {{SmItemIcon|Ring of Flinging}} uses the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} to make a thrown weapon attack against a target which is affected by {{SAI|Hex}}.

'''Damage Sources (DS):'''

*Thrown weapon attack using the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} applies 1d6 (damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 5 (Strength modifier) piercing damage

'''Damage Riders (DR):'''

*{{SAI|Lightning Charges (Condition)}} add +1 Lightning Damage to each damage source
*The {{SmItemIcon|Ring of Flinging}} adds 1d4 damage which is of the same type as the weapon used (piercing in this example) to each damage source.
*{{SAI|Hex}} adds 1d6 necrotic damage to each damage source.
*[[Tavern Brawler]] adds the character's Strength modifier to thrown weapon attacks an additional time

'''Damage Riders treated as Damage Sources (DRS):'''

*The additional 1d4 damage from the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} is a damage rider treated as a damage source. This means it will cause all of the Damage Riders listed above to activate a second time.


'''Calculating total damage:'''

To determine the total damage applied take each DS and DRS. Then apply the damage riders onto each of these. In this example that means one should evaluate the normal damage source of throwing a spear plus all damage riders, followed by the additional lightning damage from the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} with all damage riders applied again. 

Treating the bonus lighting damage from throwing the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} as ''DRS''' means the damage roll in the above scenario would on average yield 36 total damage (ignoring resistances) calculated as follows:

*{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d6|Piercing}} 1d6 (3.5 avg) (weapon damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 5 (Strength modifier) {{DamageType|Piercing}}}} from the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} thrown weapon attack, [DS]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d4|Piercing}} +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Piercing}}}} damage from the {{SmItemIcon|Ring of Flinging}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|+1 {{DamageType|Lightning}} damage}} from {{SAI|Lightning Charges (Condition)}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d6|Necrotic}} +1d6 (3.5 avg) {{DamageType|Necrotic}}}} damage from {{SAI|Hex}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|+5 {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage}} damage from [[Tavern Brawler]] on a character with 20 Strength, [DR]

*{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d4|Lightning}} +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Lightning}}}} damage from the bonus effect of throwing the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}}, [DRS]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d4|Piercing}} +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Piercing}}}} damage from the {{SmItemIcon|Ring of Flinging}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|+1 {{DamageType|Lightning}} damage}} from {{SAI|Lightning Charges (Condition)}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d6|Necrotic}} +1d6 (3.5 avg) {{DamageType|Necrotic}}}} damage from {{SAI|Hex}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|+5 {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage}} damage from [[Tavern Brawler]] on a character with 20 Strength, [DR]

As a ''hypothetical'' scenario to show the impact that this minor detail can have, instead imagine the bonus lighting damage from throwing the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} is treated as a DR in the above scenario. In this ''hypothetical'' scenario the above damage roll would yield 24 total damage on average (ignoring resistances) calculated as follows:

*{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d6|Piercing}} 1d6 (3.5 avg) (weapon damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 5 (Strength modifier) {{DamageType|Piercing}}}} from the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} thrown weapon attack, [DS]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d4|Piercing}} +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Piercing}}}} damage from the {{SmItemIcon|Ring of Flinging}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|+1 {{DamageType|Lightning}} damage}} from {{SAI|Lightning Charges (Condition)}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d6|Necrotic}} +1d6 (3.5 avg) {{DamageType|Necrotic}}}} damage from {{SAI|Hex}}, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|+5 {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage}} damage from [[Tavern Brawler]] on a character with 20 Strength, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d4|Lightning}} +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Lightning}}}} damage}} from the bonus effect of throwing the {{SmItemIcon|Lightning Jabber}} in the ''hypothetical'' scenario where it is treated as a traditional damage rider [DR]

This is a simple example to demonstrate the underlying principles. By mixing and matching multiple DR and DRS effects it is possible to deal hundreds (and in extreme cases with proper conditions over thousands) of points of damage with a single attack.

==DRS effects==
The following are a list of items and abilities which have DRS effects, and what the relevant DRS effect is. ''Most of the below effects appear to instead be treated as normal damage riders for Honour mode difficulty, so the below tables should only be applied to other difficulty settings.''
{| class="wikitable"
|+[[Weapons]]
! width="20%" |Item
!Act Found
!Relevant Effect
!Notes
|-
|{{LgItemIcon|Arrow of Acid}}
|All
|Deals Weapon Damage + {{DamageText|2d4|Acid}} ([[Saving Throw|Dexterity Save]] to negate). Creates a permanent {{Area|Acid (surface)}} Surface.
|N/a
|-
|{{LgItemIcon|Arrow of Fire}}
|All
|Deals weapon damage + {{DamageText|2d4|Fire}} ([[Saving Throw|Dexterity Save]] to negate). Creates a {{Area|Fire (surface)}} Surface for 2 turns.
|N/a
|-
|{{LgItemIcon|Arrow of Ice}}
|All
|Deals weapon damage + {{DamageText|2d4|Cold}} ([[Saving Throw|Dexterity Save]] to negate). Creates an {{Area|Ice (surface)}} for 2 turns.
|N/a
|-
|{{LgItemIcon|Arrow of Lightning}}
|All
|Deals weapon damage + {{DamageText|2d4|Lightning}} ([[Saving Throw|Dexterity Save]] to negate).
|N/a
|-
|{{SAI|Prepared (Condition)}}
|All
|Spend 6 m / 20 ft of your [[Movement Speed|movement]] to deal additional physical damage (minimum 1) on each successful weapon attack for the rest of the turn.
|[[Weapon Actions|Weapon Action]] available to all [[Greataxes]]. Recharges on Short Rest
|-
|{{RarityItem|Assassin's Touch}}
|One
|'''Deathly Slumber:''' Deals an additional '''1d4 {{DamageType|Necrotic}}''' damage to creatures that are  {{Cond|Knocked Out}} or {{Cond|Sleeping}} .
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|Deep Delver|alias=Deep Delver: Dig Deep}}
|One
|Inflicts '''Shattered''' on hit. When attacking a '''Shattered''' target, deal an additional {{DamageText|1d4|Piercing}} damage.
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|Dragon's Grasp|alias=Dragon's Grasp: Burned Alive}}
|One
|Deals an additional {{DamageText|1d4|Slashing}} damage to {{Cond|Burning}} targets.
|Can apply multiple times. 
|-
|{{RarityItem|Exterminator's Axe|alias=Exterminator's Axe: Scourge of Pets}}
|One
|Deals an additional {{DamageText|1d6|Fire}} damage to Plants, Insects or Small creatures.
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|Firestoker|alias=Firestoker: Burned Alive}}
| One
|Deals an additional {{DamageText|1d4|Piercing}} damage to {{Cond|Burning}} targets. 
|Can apply multiple times.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Hoppy|alias=Hoppy: Revitalising Strike}}
|One
|'''Revitalising Strike:''' Smash into a foe, wounding them and healing your own injuries. On a hit, heal {{DamageText|1d6|Healing}}. You deal additional  {{DamageType|Necrotic}} damage equal to your [[Proficiency Bonus]].
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Loviatar's Scourge|alias=Loviatar's Scourge: Willing Whip}}
|One
|'''Willing Whip:''' Grants Resistance to {{DamageType|Necrotic}} damage. Deals an additional {{DamageText|1d6|Necrotic}} damage to nearby targets, including the wielder.
|This damage does not benefit from many damage riders that are applied to the base weapon attack.  For instance when used as part of a smite attack, bonus damage applied to spells is not applied to the damage caused by the willing whip ability.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Ritual Dagger|alias=Ritual Dagger: Blood Sacrifice}}
|One
|'''Blood Sacrifice:''' Pain is a path to power. Take {{DamageText|1d4|Slashing}} damage to receive a +1d4 bonus to [[Attack Roll]]s and [[Saving Throw]]s.
|Damage riders are applied to the self inflicted damage.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Shortsword of First Blood}}
|One
|'''Break the Unbroken:''' Deal an additional {{DamageText|1d8|Piercing}} damage to targets that still have all their hitpoints.
|The target must be at full health.
|-
|{{RarityItem|The Blast Pendant|alias=The Blast Pendant: Lightning Blast}}
| One
|'''Lightning Blast:''' Once per [[Long Rest]] you may focus the electricity in your veins as a bonus action. Your next lightning spell or cantrip deals additional {{DamageType|Lightning}} Lightning damage equal to your remaining {{Cond|Lightning Charges}}. On a hit, all of your Lightning Charges are consumed.
|This is a usable once per long rest and only applies to Lightning Spells or cantrips.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Very Heavy Greataxe|alias=Very Heavy Greataxe: Gargantuan Cleave}}
|One or Two
|'''Gargantuan Cleave:''' Swing your weapon with all your might. You can attack multiple targets, but become {{cond|Off Balance}}. 
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Blooded Greataxe|alias=Blooded Greataxe: Relentless Revenge}}
| One
|When the wielder has 50% {{Hp}} or less, they deal an additional {{DamageText|1d4|Slashing}} damage.
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|Phalar Aluve|alias=Phalar Aluve: Shriek}}
|One
| All enemies within 6m of range have a 1d4 penalty to Charisma, Wisdom and Intelligence Saving Throws. Affected creatures receive an extra {{DamageText|1d4|Thunder}} damage. The sword will stop Shrieking if unequipped.
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Soulbreaker Greatsword|alias=Soulbreaker Greatsword: Soulbreaker}}
|One
|'''Soulbreaker:''' Rend the enemy's body and soul, dealing an additional {{DamageText|4|Psychic}} damage, and possibly {{SmIconLink|Stunned Condition Icon.webp|Stunned (Condition)|Stun}} them.
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Lightning Jabber}}
|Two
|'''Throwing: Lighting Damage:''' When launched at a target, deal an additional {{DamageText|1d4|Lightning}} damage.
|This is only works when thrown.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Render of Mind and Body|alias=Render of Mind and Body: Psychic Steel Virtuoso}}
|Two
|When the wielder attacks with  {{Advantage}}, they deal an additional {{DamageText|1d8|Psychic}} damage
|Only applies to attacks made with the weapon itself.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Moonlight Glaive|alias=Moonlight Glaive: Moonlight Butterflies}}
|Two
|'''Moonlight Butterflies:''' Strike a foe, conjuring an illusory swarm of moon-pale butterflies, gaining {{Advantage}} on attacks against the target. Deal additional {{DamageType|Psychic}} damage equal to your [[Proficiency Bonus]]. When the target moves away from your illusion, it takes {{DamageText|1d6|Psychic}} damage.
| This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Punch-Drunk Bastard}}
|Two
|'''Tippler's Rage:''' When you have the {{Cond|Alcohol}} condition, you have {{Advantage}} on [[Attack Rolls]]. You also create a blast with each attack, dealing {{DamageText|1d4|Thunder}} damage for 3m / 10ft. 
|This damage does not benefit from many damage riders that are applied to the base weapon attack.  For instance when used as part of a smite attack, bonus damage applied to spells is not applied to the damage caused by the Tippler's Rage ability.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Justiciar's Scimitar|alias=Justiciar's Scimitar: Shadowsoaked Blow}}
|Two
|'''Shadowsoaked Blow:''' Strike an enemy, adding your [[Proficiency Bonus]] to the damage. Moreover, if the attack hits, it also deals an additional {{DamageText|1d6|Psychic}} damage. This attack doesn't break concealment.
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Sword of Life Stealing}}
|Two
|On a [[Critical Hit]], the target takes an extra {{DamageText|10|Necrotic}} damage as long as it isn't a construct or an undead. You also gain 10 [[Temporary Hit Points|temporary hit points]].
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|The Undead Bane|alias=The Undead Bane: Profane Scourge}}
| Three
|'''Profane Scourge:''' Strike with subjugating fury, adding your [[Proficiency Bonus]] to the damage roll. If you hit a [[Fiend]] or [[Undead]] creature, deal an additional {{DamageText|2d6|Slashing}} damage and possibly {{cond|Bane}} it. Undead and [[Construct|Constructs]] can't {{cond|Bleeding|Bleed}}.
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest. This weapons special bonus damage vs undead and fiends is applied to both the weapons base damage and the damage applied by the Profane Scourge weapon action.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Craterflesh Gloves|alias=Craterflesh Gloves: Craterous Wounds}}
|Three 
| Whenever you score a [[Critical Hit]], deal an additional {{DamageText|1d6|Force}} damage.
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|Stalker Gloves|alias=Stalker Gloves: Skullduggery Attack}}
|Three 
|Your  {{SAI|Sneak Attack (Melee)|Sneak Attack}} deals an additional {{DamageText|1d4|Force}} damage
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|Hellfire Greataxe|alias=Hellfire Greataxe: Hellflame Cleave}}
|Three
|'''Hellflame Cleave:''' Spew hellish flames and strike your foes. On Save: Targets still take half damage. Hellfire ignores [[Damage Types#Resistance|Resistance]] and [[Damage Types#Resistance|Immunity]] to {{DamageText||Fire}} damage.
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.  This weapon action counts as a spell for effects that add bonus damage to spells.  Bonus damage is applied to the base weapon damage and to the bonus fire damage separately.
|-
|{{RarityItem|The Sacred Star|alias=The Sacred Star: Dawnburst Strike}}
|Three
|'''Dawnburst Strike:''' Deal additional {{DamageType|Radiant}} damage equal to your [[Proficiency Bonus]]. On a hit, light erupts around you in a 3m / 10ft area. Enemies in the light must succeed a DC 13 [[Constitution]] [[Saving Throw]] or be {{Cond|Blinded}}.
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Balduran's Giantslayer|alias=Balduran's Giantslayer: Topple the Big Folk}}
|Three
|Deal additional damage equal to your [[Proficiency Bonus]]. On a hit, Large, Huge, or Gargantuan creatures take an additional {{DamageText|2d6|Slashing}} damage and must suceed a  [[Strength]] [[Saving Throw]] or fall [[Prone (Condition)|Prone]].
|This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|-
|{{RarityItem|Crimson Mischief|alias=Crimson Mischief: Redvein Savagery}}
|Three
|(Only when wielded in main hand) When you make an attack with  {{Advantage}}, the target takes an additional {{DamageText|7|Piercing}} damage.
|This applies for most damage sources in the base attack, It does not apply on some DRSs eg the ranger colossus slayer ability. 
|-
|{{RarityItem|Duellist's Prerogative|alias=Duelist's Prerogative: Withering Cut}}
| Three
|(Only when wielded in main hand) On a hit with a melee weapon, use a [[Reaction (Resource)|reaction]] to deal additional {{DamageType|Necrotic}} damage equal to your [[Proficiency Bonus]]. 
|N/a
|-
|{{RarityItem|Nyrulna|alias=Nyrulna: Zephyr Connection}}
|Three
|'''Zephyr Connection:''' This weapon will return to your hand when thrown. You cannot be forced to drop the trident. When thrown, the weapon creates an explosion that deals {{DamageText|3d4|Thunder}} damage in a 6m/20ft blast centered on the target.
|This is only works when thrown.  
This damage does not benefit from many damage riders that are applied to the base weapon attack. 
|-
|{{RarityItem|Silver Sword of the Astral Plane|alias=Silver Sword of the Astral Plane: Soulbreaker}}
|One or Three 
|'''Soulbreaker:''' Rend the enemy's body and soul, dealing an additional {{DamageText|4|Psychic}} damage, and possibly {{SmIconLink|Stunned Condition Icon.webp|Stunned (Condition)|Stun}} them.
| This is a [[Weapon Actions|weapon action]] specific to this weapon. As with all weapon actions, it recharges on a short rest.
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Class Abilities
! width="15%" |Class
!Level
Obtained
!Relevant Effect
!Notes
|-
|{{Class|Rogue}}
|1
|{{SAI|Sneak Attack (Melee)|Sneak Attack}}: Deal an extra 1d6 damage to a foe you have [[Advantage]] against. You can also use Sneak Attack if you have an ally within <code>1.5m / 5ft</code> of the target and you don't have [[Disadvantage]].
|Sneak Attack is only treated as a damage source if you use the automatic reaction. Using the Sneak Attack action is instead treated as a damage rider.
|-
|{{Class|Paladin}}
|2
|{{SAI|Divine Smite}}: Your weapon emanates divine might as you strike, dealing an additional {{DamageText|2d8|Radiant}} damage. Deals an additional {{DamageText|1d8|Radiant}}  damage to Fiends and Undead.
|N/a
|-
|{{Class|Hunter}}
|3
|{{SAI|Colossus Slayer}}: Once per turn, your weapon attack deals an extra {{DamageText|1d8|Physical}} damage if the target is below its hit point maximum
|This can be applied multiple times for each damage source in the portion of the attack that triggers it.  This could include the entire attack or just portions of it.
|-
|{{Class|Cleric}}
|8
|{{SAI|Divine Strike}}: Once per turn, deal 1d8 damage (damage type depends on Cleric Domain) in addition to your weapon's damage.
|The {{DamageText|1d8|Physical}} variant from {{Class|War Domain}} is treated as a damage source only when triggered as a reaction. All other variants of {{SAI|Divine Strike}} work as damage sources either when used as a reaction or when used directly.
|-
|{{Class|Way of Shadow}} 
|11
|{{SAI|Shadow Strike}}: Teleport to a foe from a hidden position, striking them with the creeping, psychic ferocity of the shadows themselves, dealing an additional {{DamageText|3d8|Psychic}} damage.
|N/a
|-
|{{Class|Warlock}}
|12
|{{SAI|Lifedrinker}}: Your melee attacks deal additional {{DamageColor|Necrotic|Necrotic}} equal to your [[Charisma]] modifier.
|N/a
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Spells
! width="15%" |Ability
!Ability Type
!Relevant Effect
!Notes
|-
|{{SAI|Eldritch Blast}}
|Cantrip
|Conjure a beam of crackling energy. Deals {{DamageText|1d10|Force}} damage to a target.  This cantrip fires an additional beam at level 5 and 10.
|Has a damage source per beam fired.
|-
|{{SAI|Ensnaring Strike (Melee)}} and {{SAI|Ensnaring Strike (Ranged)}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Your attack summons thorny vines, dealing {{DamageColor|Physical|Weapon Damage}} and possibly {{Cond|Ensnared|Ensnaring}} your target.

Ensnared creatures cannot move and take {{DamageText|1d6|Piercing}} damage at the start of each turn. An ally can use their [[Help|Help Action]] to try and tear away the vines. 
|Ensnaring Strike allows spell based bonus damage to ride along with weapon based damage riders as sources.  Most damage riders do not apply to the ongoing damage.
|-
|{{SAI|Hail of Thorns}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Shoot a volley of thorns. They deal {{DamageText|weapon damage|Physical}} and explode, dealing an additional {{DamageText|1d10|Piercing}} damage to the target and surrounding creatures.
|The initial hit and explosion are separate damage sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Hunter's Mark}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Mark a creature as your quarry to deal an additional {{DamageText|1d6|Physical}} damage whenever you hit it with a weapon attack.
|Only when used with thrown weapon attacks.
|-
|{{SAI|Ice Knife}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Throw a shard of ice that deals {{DamageText|1d10|Piercing}} damage. It explodes and deals {{DamageText|2d6|Cold}} damage to anyone nearby. It leaves an {{Area|Ice (surface)}} Surface. On miss, the shard of ice still explodes.
|The Piercing and Cold Damage are separate damage sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Magic Missile}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Create '''three''' darts of magical force, each dealing {{DamageText|1d4 + 1|Force}} damage to its target. The darts always hit their target, and can each be targeted individually.
|Each dart fired is a separate damage sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Searing Smite}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Your weapon flares with white-hot intensity. It deals, on top of weapon damage, an extra {{DamageText|1d6|Fire}} damage and marks the target with {{Cond|Searing Smite}}. 
A target with '''Searing Smite''' takes {{DamageText|1d6|Fire}} damage every turn, until it succeeds on a [[Constitution]] {{SavingThrow}}.
|The weapon damage and extra fire damage are separate damage sources.  Searing Smite allows spell based bonus damage to ride along with weapon based damage riders as sources.   Most damage riders do not apply to the ongoing damage.
|-
|{{SAI|Thunderous Smite}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Your weapon rings with thunder as you strike, pushing your target {{Distance|m=3|ft=10}} away and possibly knocking them {{Cond|Prone}}. In addition, your weapon deals an additional {{DamageText|2d6|Thunder}} damage.
|The weapon damage and extra thunder damage are separate damage sources.  Thunderous Smite allows spell based bonus damage to ride along with weapon based damage riders as sources.
|-
|{{SAI|Witch Bolt}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Link yourself to a target with a bolt of lightning. Deal an additional {{DamageText|1d12|Lightning}} each turn by activating it.
|The additional activations apply most damage riders and are a separate damage source. 
|-
|{{SAI|Wrathful Smite}}
|1st Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Your weapon absorbs your wrath as you strike, possibly {{Cond|Frightened|Frightening}} your target.  In addition, your weapon deals an additional {{DamageText|1d6|Psychic}} damage.
|The weapon damage and extra psychic damage are separate damage sources.  Wrathful Smite allows spell based bonus damage to ride along with weapon based damage riders as sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Branding Smite}}
|2nd Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Your weapon gleams with astral radiance as you strike and possibly mark your targets with light, preventing it from turning {{Cond|Invisible}}. In addition, your weapon deals an additional {{DamageText|2d6|Radiant}} damage.
|The weapon damage and extra radiant damage are separate damage sources.  Branding Smite allows spell based bonus damage to ride along with weapon based damage riders as sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Heat Metal}}
|2nd Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Cause a metal [[Weapons|Weapon]] or [[Armour]] to glow red-hot and force the creature touching it to let go or receive {{Disadvantage}} on {{Attack Roll}}s and [[Ability Check|Ability Checks]]. If the creature is only wearing metal armour, it always receives Disadvantage. 

If the creature is still touching the metal, you can use a [[Bonus Action]] on subsequent turns to {{SAI|Reapply Heat Metal}} to deal another {{DamageText|2d8|Fire}} damage and force the creature to let go or receive Disadvantage.
|The additional activations apply most damage riders and are a separate damage source.
|-
|{{SAI|Scorching Ray}}
| 2nd Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Hurl '''3''' rays of fire. Each ray deals {{DamageText|2d6|Fire}} damage.
|Each ray is a separate damage source.
|-
|{{SAI|Blinding Smite}}
|3rd Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Evoke a heavenly flare and possibly {{Cond|Blind}} your target.  In addition, your weapon deals an additional {{DamageText|3d8|Radiant}} damage.
|The weapon damage and extra radiant damage are separate damage sources.  Blinding Smite allows spell based bonus damage to ride along with weapon based damage riders as sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Call Lightning}}
|3rd Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Call down lightning to hit all targets within range and its area of effect for {{DamageText|3d10|Lightning}} damage.
|The additional activations apply most damage riders and are a separate damage source.
|-
|{{SAI|Lightning Arrow}}
|3rd Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|This spell allows spellcasters to fire an arrow of electricity that bursts on impact, dealing additional {{DamageColor|Lightning|Lightning}} damage to creatures in the vicinity.
|The initial hit and explosion are separate damage sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Ice Storm}}
|4th Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Impel a storm of hail and ice to crash from the sky, covering the ground and striking all objects and creatures within range, dealing {{DamageType|Bludgeoning}} and {{DamageType|Cold}} damage. It also creates an {{Area|Ice (surface)}} Surface that lasts 2 turns. 
|The Bludgeoning and Cold damage are separate damage sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Curriculum of Strategy: Artistry of War}}
| 5th Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Summon the apparitions of 6 master strategists. Each apparition strikes a target of your choosing, dealing {{DamageText|2d6 + 6|Force}} damage (for a total of {{DamageText|12d6 + 36|Force}}).
|Each of the six apparitions is a separate damage source.
|-
|{{SAI|Destructive Wave}}
|5th Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|Create a shockwave of either divine or malevolent thunder that damages nearby creatures and possibly knocks them {{Cond|Prone}}.  This spell deals  {{DamageText | 5d6 | Thunder}} damage and {{DamageText | 5d6 | Radiant}} or {{DamageText | 5d6 | Necrotic}} damage.
|The Thunder and Radiant or Necrotic damage are separate damage sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Flame Strike}}
|5th Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|This spells allows the caster to make a pillar of divine flame at a chosen location dealing  {{DamageText | 5d6 | Fire}} damage and {{DamageText | 5d6 | Radiant}} damage.
|The Fire and Radiant damage are separate damage sources. 
|-
|{{SAI|Sunbeam}}
|6th Level [[Spells|Spell]]
|This spell allows spellcasters to project a beam of light, Blinding and dealing {{DamageText | 6d8 | Radiant}} damage to everything in its path. You can then use {{SAI|Recast Sunbeam}} on subsequent turns without expending a Spell Slot.
| The additional activations apply most damage riders and are a separate damage source.
|}

==Technical details ==
The scripts defining all the effects in the game are found in <code>.txt</code> files inside <code>Gustav.pak</code> and <code>Shared.pak</code>. (See [[Modding:Unpacking and converting files]]). In these scripts, damage rider effects are implemented with one of several damage functions. These are: 

*<code>WeaponDamage()</code>, <code>CharacterWeaponDamage()</code>, and <code>CharacterUnarmedDamage()</code>:<br />The basic, well-behaved damage bonuses are implemented with this function. The bonus will apply ''only'' to the triggering attack, and nothing else.<br />Example effect: {{DamageText|2|Acid}} from [[Caustic Band]].
*<code>DamageBonus()</code>:<br />Damage riders using this function will apply their bonus damage to each independent damage instance. When combined with damage riders using <code>DealDamage()</code> (see below), a single attack can create numerous independent damage instances. In these cases, <code>DamageBonus()</code> will apply its bonus damage multiple times, but <code>WeaponDamage()</code> only once.<br />Example effect: {{DamageText|2|Radiant}} from [[Callous Glow Ring]].
*<code>DealDamage()</code>:<br />This function is used by all damaging attacks, spells, and status effects to apply their damage. It is also used by "'''damage riders treated as damage sources'''" to apply their bonus damage. It creates a separate damage instance that can be independently boosted by applicable <code>DamageBonus()</code> effects. Furthermore, damage riders using <code>DealDamage()</code> can trigger each other in some cases, creating far more damage instances than might be expected.<br />Example effect: {{DamageText|1d8|Physical}} from [[Colossus Slayer]].

Each of these functions can optionally specify the damage type. If not specified, the damage type will be inherited from the triggering <code>DealDamage()</code> instance.
==Potential bugs==
The following items compose a non-exhaustive list which indicates that the "Damage Riders" as compared to "Damage Riders treated as Damage Sources" may include several bugs and therefore many of these abilities may change in future patches:  

*[[Patch Notes|Patch 3]] changed [[Lightning Charges (Condition)|Lightning Charges]] from a "Damage Rider treated as a Damage Source" to a "Damage Rider."
*[[Patch Notes|Patch 5]]'s patch-notes mention a change to [[Tavern Brawler]] in regards to thrown weapons, likely intending to change it from a "Damage Rider treated as a Damage Source" to a "Damage Rider" - in fact no change was made. Instead, Dwarven Thrower, Lightning Jabber, and Hunter's Mark were updated in a comparable manner, leaving them still able to trigger certain other DRS-effects while not applying Damage Riders themselves.
*[[Sneak Attack (Disambiguation)|Sneak Attack]] is treated as a Damage Rider when a character uses the Sneak Attack action, but as a "Damage Rider treated as a Damage Source" when Sneak Attack is applied by the automatic reaction system.
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