Do extra effects in spells still occur if the target is immune to the damage type?

[Keravath]

Hi All,

There are many spells that have multiple effects. I can't find any rules indicating that these are in any way dependent on each other. These often involve damage of a particular type and a secondary effect. I just want to verify that if a target is hit or affected by one of these spells that they are still subject to the secondary effects even if they are immune to the damage.

Here are some examples:

Chill touch
On a hit, the target takes 1d8 necrotic damage, and it can't regain hit points until the start of your next turn.

- even if the target is immune to necrotic damage it still can't regain hit points.

Shocking Grasp
On a hit, the target takes 1d8 lightning damage, and it can't take reactions until the start of its next turn.

- even if the target is immune to lightning damage, it still loses its reaction.

Synaptic Static
A target takes 8d6 psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
After a failed save, a target has muddled thoughts for 1 minute. During that time, it rolls a d6 and subtracts the number rolled from all its attack rolls and ability checks, as well as its Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration.

- a target that is immune to psychic damage will still have muddled thoughts if they fail the saving throw even if they take no damage from the attack.

Are those statements correct (RAW)?

[Sigreid]

I've been ruling that the rider doesn't land if the carrier doesn't.

[Blood of Gaea]

They're separate effects, so RAW it would indeed still affect them. You'd need immunity to the rider effect itself to stop it.

[McSkrag]

I see it as two separate effects each based on a trigger.

Take Ray of Frost for example:

A frigid beam of blue-white light streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, it takes 1d8 cold damage, and its speed is reduced by 10 feet until the start of your next turn.
--> On a hit the target takes cold damage which may be affected by resistances or immunities
AND
--> On a hit their movement is reduced by 10 feet which may be affected by resistances or immunities

[RogueJK]

Likewise, a monster that is immune to non-magical weapon damage hit with a standard sword with Booming Blade would still take the Thunder damage.

[Ganymede]

Likewise, a monster that is immune to non-magical weapon damage hit with a standard sword with Booming Blade would still take the Thunder damage.

On the other hand, many riders are thematically tied to the damage they inflict, or at least could be tied to it depending on how it is conceptualized at a particular table.

For instance, a ray of frost's slowing rider might be conceptualized as biting cold that numbs the limbs. Under that framework, it wouldn't make much sense for a creature to be slowed if cold is no danger to it. Similarly, a envenomed dagger that inflicts the poisoned status on those wounded by it wouldn't plausibly poison someone who is invulnerable to piercing damage (unless your conceptualize the invulnerability as some sort of fast healing).

Then again, the rule answer is clear: riders are independent of damage.

[sithlordnergal]

The rider effects are always separate from the damage. It helps keep certain things relevant, even in situations where you're not able to deal damage from your spell.

[GoodmanDL]

The rider effects are always separate from the damage. It helps keep certain things relevant, even in situations where you're not able to deal damage from your spell.

That said, if you want to make it a house rule that riders don't kick in if t u e primary has no effect, you can always do so. But if you are, just let people know iit's a house rule and apply it consistently.

[Chronos]

Who's to say that the damage is the primary effect and the other effect is secondary? You could just as well argue that the primary effect of Chill Touch is to prevent healing, and the damage is a secondary effect.

[NorthernPhoenix]

I'd generally rule no, but I don't know if there is a AL ruling for this or not.

[Pex]

Cynically speaking, those who are resistant to the damage may well object that they don't suffer half the rider's effect. Slowed 5 ft by Ray of Frost. Heal half damage by Chill Touch. Disadvantage for any attack made as a reaction by Shocking Grasp. It adds complication so it's easier to default normal rider effects, but those resistant might still complain when the immunes suffer nothing.

[Man_Over_Game]

Officially, reading of the spell will determine if immunity to damage matters or not.

For example, Chill Touch is described as being reliant on the hit, not the damage. On the other hand, Banishing Smite is required to deal damage in order to have the additional effect, regardless of whether the attack hit or not.