Bonus Damage Dice on Critical Hits...

[DracoSuave]

Based on that page, it's feasible that you could make a case that getting the extra damage on a non-damaging attack is not ruled out. Page 225, I think, clarifies the intent.

Thanks, guys.

Extra damage is never applied when no damage happens. You need damage to occur before extra damage. (PHB2)

Non-damage and ongoing damage effects are a different story, however.

 

[Skallgrim]

You had me at "punch a velociraptor in the face."

 

[OakwoodDM]

Extra damage is never applied when no damage happens. You need damage to occur before extra damage. (PHB2)

Non-damage and ongoing damage effects are a different story, however.

What about a power like the Sorcerer's level 5 daily, Acidic Implantation? The power itself does damage, but that damage is part of the Effect, not the Hit. The hit only pushes. Would a critical hit apply the implement's special effects?

 

[Jurph]

Crits are exciting! They are the moments that everyone remembers from the encounter: "I was toe-to-toe with the giant, let loose with my daily attack... and CRITTED!" The party rallies around a character who crits; the tide of battle turns. For that reason alone, I'd say "yes" to OakwoodDM's question about magical damage as part of an effect (not part of the hit) -- justify it as a direct hit on an already-open wound or a soft spot in the armor, where the acid causes particular agony; or since Acidic Implantation does splash damage, perhaps you justify it as the sorcerer finding a particularly rich vein of magical power to tap into and summoning a more hideous acid than he'd managed to before.

You feel a surge of magical power, and you feel a pinching pricking tingle in your fingertips... you notice that you've summoned an otherworldly acid that is whitish-green and viscous, and that as soon as it appears it steams and boils. If only you had a library and an orrery nearby, you might find the confluence of stars and elemental powers that caused it! The hideous screams of your enemies will have to do for now.