Does Persistent Damage Double on a Crit pf2e?
In Pathfinder 2e, persistent damage is a type of condition that causes damage to recur beyond the original effect. It’s a crucial mechanic in the game, and understanding how it interacts with critical hits is essential for making informed decisions during combat. In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and provide a clear answer to the question: Does persistent damage double on a crit pf2e?
Understanding Persistent Damage
Before we dive into the critical hit aspect, let’s establish what persistent damage is. In Pathfinder 2e, persistent damage is a condition that causes damage to recur after the original effect has ended. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:
- Persistent Damage Types: Some damage types, like poison or disease, can cause persistent damage.
- Spells: Certain spells, like Hex, can inflict persistent damage.
- Equipment: Some equipment, like a Poisoned Dagger, can cause persistent damage.
Critical Hits and Persistent Damage
Now that we understand what persistent damage is, let’s address the question: Does persistent damage double on a crit pf2e? The answer is NO. According to the Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook (p. 314):
"When you land a critical hit, you double bonus damage dice (that do not allow saves). You do not multiply static bonus damage."
Key Takeaway: Bonus damage from persistent damage does not double when you land a critical hit. Instead, only bonus damage dice (those that do not allow saves) double.
Examples and Clarification
To illustrate this concept, let’s consider a few examples:
- Scenario 1: A rogue uses a poison-tipped dagger to inflict persistent damage. The poison causes 1d6 damage per round, with no save. If the rogue lands a critical hit, the poison damage would not double.
- Scenario 2: A wizard casts the Hex spell, which inflicts 2d8 persistent damage. The spell’s damage does not allow saves. If the wizard lands a critical hit, the persistent damage would not double.
- Scenario 3: A fighter uses a magical weapon that deals 1d8 + 2 persistent damage. The weapon’s damage allows a save. If the fighter lands a critical hit, the persistent damage would not double.
Conclusion
In summary, persistent damage does not double on a crit pf2e. Only bonus damage dice (those that do not allow saves) double when you land a critical hit. This is an important distinction to make in your Pathfinder 2e adventures, as it can significantly impact the dynamics of combat.
Additional Tips
- Keep Track of Persistent Damage: Make sure to keep track of persistent damage and its effects, as they can add up quickly.
- Focus on Bonus Damage Dice: When planning your attacks, focus on those that deal bonus damage dice that do not allow saves.
- Critical Hits are Rare: Remember that critical hits are rare, so don’t overemphasize the importance of critical hits when it comes to persistent damage.
By understanding how persistent damage interacts with critical hits, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions during combat and lead your party to victory.