Calculating Damage | Game Master Companion 5e

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Rules-complex transactions made a little easier

Calculating Damage

Each weapon, spell, and harmful monster ability specifies the damage it deals. (96)

1. Roll the appropriate damage die or dice. The damage will be of a certain type.

2. For a melee or ranged weapon attack, add the appropriate ability modifier.

Your proficiency bonus is not added to damage. (64; 96)

3. Add damage due to any magical properties of the weapon or item.

Round down on the damage total, even if the fraction is one-half or greater. (PHB 7)

Damage is subtracted from the target's hit points. This has no effect on its capabilities until it drops to 0 hit points. In a melee attack, you can, if you wish, forgo killing a creature and instead knock it out.

Other considerations:

You roll additional damage with a critical hit.

Immunity, resistance, or vulnerability.

Improvised weapons and unarmed strikes have special damage rules.

Some spells can affect damage.

Ability modifier is not added to the damage from the Two-Weapon Fighting bonus attack.

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