This mechanic describes a persistent damage effect triggered by a successful attack. The notation “1d4” signifies rolling a four-sided die to determine a random number between one and four, representing the amount of fire damage inflicted. This damage occurs subsequent to the initial impact and continues to affect the target over time.
Such a sustained damage effect adds a tactical layer to combat. It punishes targets who rely solely on hit points and rewards offensive strategies focusing on ongoing damage rather than single, powerful blows. This concept draws from tabletop role-playing game traditions, reflecting the broader concept of effects that linger beyond the initial strike, simulating burning, poison, or other debilitating conditions. Its implementation allows for more dynamic and nuanced combat scenarios.