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''' 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 {{SmItemIcon|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 {{SAI|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 {{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 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.

{{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.

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

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

*Thrown weapon attack using the {{SmItemIcon|Returning Pike}} applies 1d10 (damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 4 (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.

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

*The [[Tavern Brawler]] feat allows characters to add their Strength modifier an additional time to damage rolls when using unarmed strikes, improvised weapons, or thrown weapons. When applied to melee attacks this damage bonus is treated as a damage rider. But as of [[Patch Notes|Patch 3]] with thrown weapons, this +4 piercing damage from the character's strength score being applied a second time due to the tavern brawler feat being treated as a damage source.


'''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 pike damage source plus all damage riders, followed by the Tavern Brawler damage source and all damage riders applied again. 

[[Tavern Brawler]] on thrown weapon attacks is a '''DRS''', meaning the damage roll in the above scenario would on average yield 28.5 total damage (ignoring resistances) calculated as follows:

*{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d10|Piercing}} 1d10 (5.5 avg) (weapon damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 4 (Strength modifier) {{DamageType|Piercing}}}} from the {{SmItemIcon|Returning Pike}} 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|+4 {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage}} from [[Tavern Brawler]], [DRS]
**{{InfoBlob|+1d4 (2.5 avg) {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage}} from the {{SmItemIcon|Ring of Flinging}} being applied to Tavern Brawler damage source, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|+1 {{DamageType|Lightning}} damage}} from {{SAI|Lightning Charges (Condition)}} being applied to Tavern Brawler damage source, [DR]
**{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d6|Necrotic}} +1d6 (3.5 avg) {{DamageType|Necrotic}}}} damage from  {{SAI|Hex}} being applied to Tavern Brawler damage source [DR]
As a ''hypothetical'' scenario to show the impact that this minor detail can have, instead imagine [[Tavern Brawler]] were to be treated as a DR in the above scenairo. In this ''hypothetical'' scenario the above damage roll would yield 21.5 total damage on average (ignoring resistances) calculated as follows:

*{{InfoBlob|{{DieIcon|d10|Piercing}} 1d10 (5.5 avg) (weapon damage die) + 1 (weapon enchantment) + 4 (Strength modifier) {{DamageType|Piercing}}}} from the {{SmItemIcon|Returning Pike}} 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|+4 {{DamageType|Piercing}} damage}} from [[Tavern Brawler]],  [If Tavern Brawler were to ''hypothetically'' be treated as a DR with thrown weapon attacks]

==DRS Effects==
The following are a list of items and abilities which have DRS effects, and what the relevant DRS effect is.
{| 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 [[Acid Surface]].
|N/a
|-
|{{LgItemIcon|Arrow of Fire}}
|All
|Deals weapon damage + {{DamageText|2d4|Fire}} ([[Saving Throw|Dexterity Save]] to negate). Creates a [[Fire 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 [[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|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|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|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|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|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|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.
|-
|{{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|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|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|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|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|Punch-Drunk Bastard}}
|Three
|'''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|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|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|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|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|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|Firestoker|alias=Firestoker: Burned Alive}}
|One
|Deals an additional {{DamageText|1d4|Piercing}} 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|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|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|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|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
|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|Craterflesh Gloves|alias=Craterflesh Gloves: Craterous Wounds}}
|Three
|Whenever you score a [[Critical Hit]], deal an additional {{DamageText|1d6|Force}} damage.
|N/a
|-
|{{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
|}
{| 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"
|+Other Abilities
! width="15%" |Ability
!Ability Type
!Relevant Effect
!Notes
|-
|{{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|Tavern Brawler}}
|[[Feats|Feat]]
|When you make an unarmed attack, use an improvised weapon, or throw something, your strength modifier is added twice to the damage and [[Attack Roll]]
|Only when used with thrown weapon attacks.
|}


==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."
*[[Tavern Brawler]] is treated as a Damage Rider with unarmed attacks and improvised weapon attacks, but as a "Damage Rider treated as a Damage Source" when it comes to thrown weapon attacks.
*[[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.
{{NavGameplay}}