Damage mechanics: Difference between revisions

A '''damage source''' could be described as what initializes the damage. Examples include striking a target with your [[Weapons|weapon]], a [[Spells|spell]], or thrown items such as an [[Alchemist's Fire]]. Damage sources often 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 [[Hellish Rebuke]] spell).

A '''damage rider''' is something which adds additional damage onto the damage source. It can only be present in the event there is an applicable damage source for it to "ride along" with, hence the name of a damage rider. Examples of damage riders include the [[Hex]] spell adding damage to the damage from a Warlock's [[Eldritch Blast|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 rage damage to their weapon attacks. Many damage riders are gained from passives or other forms 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.

A character with 18 Strength, the [[Tavern Brawler]] Feat, [[Lightning Charges (Condition)|Lightning Charges]], and the [[Ring of Flinging]] uses the [[Returning Pike]] to make a thrown weapon attack against a target which is affected by [[Hex]].

*Thrown weapon attack using the [[Returning Pike]] applies 1d10 (damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 4 (Strength modifier) piercing damage

*[[Lightning Charges (Condition)|Lightning Charges]] add +1 Lightning Damage to each damage source

*The [[Ring of Flinging]] adds 1d4 damage which is of the same type as the weapon used (piercing in this example) to each damage source.

*[[Hex]] adds 1d6 necrotic damage to each damage source.

* 1d10 (5.5 avg) (weapon damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 4 (Strength modifier) {{DamageType|Piercing}} from the [[Returning Pike]] thrown weapon attack, [Damage Source]

** +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage from the [[Ring of Flinging]], [Damage Rider]

** +1 {{DamageType|Lightning}} damage from [[Lightning Charges (Condition)|Lightning Charges]], [Damage Rider]

** +1d6 (3.5) {{DamageType|Necrotic}} damage from [[Hex]], [Damage Rider]

* +4 {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage from [[Tavern Brawler]], [Damage Rider treated as Damage Source]

** +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage from the [[Ring of Flinging]] being applied to Tavern Brawler damage source, [Damage Rider]

** +1 {{DamageType|Lightning}} damage from [[Lightning Charges (Condition)|Lightning Charges]] being applied to Tavern Brawler damage source, [Damage Rider]

** +1d6 (3.5 avg) {{DamageType|Necrotic}} damage from [[Hex]] being applied to Tavern Brawler damage source [Damage Rider]

* 1d10 (5.5 avg) (weapon damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 4 (Strength modifier) {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage from the [[Returning Pike]] weapon attack, [Damage Source]

** +1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage from the [[Ring of Flinging]], [Damage Rider]

** +1 {{DamageType|Lightning}} damage from [[Lightning Charges (Condition)|Lightning Charges]], [Damage Rider]

** +1d6 (3.5) {{DamageType|Necrotic}} damage from [[Hex]], [Damage Rider]

** +4 {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage from [[Tavern Brawler]], [If Tavern Brawler were to ''hypothetically'' be treated as a damage rider with thrown weapon attacks]