Very simple but never been clear about weapon modifiers

I suspect I know the answer but here goes, just to be sure:

On a Staff or Wand, if I have a modifier Damage +xx%/etc.- does this STRICTLY apply to the damage caused by the direct attack via the weapon, or does this also affect damage that you cause with whatever means, such as spellcasting, spirit attacks etc.?

My suspicion and presumption all along has been that any item damage modifier only affects directly applied damage via the item itself through attacking.

It just seems very unoptimal to use such an enhancement on a staff or wand, considering staff & wand users will do the very least damage using the actual weapon!

Just please clarify definitively if anyone has an absolute authoritative answer.

Thanks!

Only weapon damage.

meaning if your a caster and waste ur weapon by making it do extra damage you have to just wand enemies to death to make it useful at all

Fixed it for you.

Do not put +dmg on wands/staffs.Just put "I have the power!" or "Hale and Hearty" on your weapons.


Edit: no and yes,I know Ihtp is for weapons but it was just meant for the +5e.

I have the power is for martial weapons. I think you meant Have Faith.

You are correct.

Just seems SO absurd to have the damage increase inscription even available for caster weapons - obviously it would be highly unlikely that anyone would actually use it.

Thanks for the clarification - I just figure they should have made damage modfiier inscr only for martial weps and there should be some kind of better inscr for caster weps, such as something that increases spell damage. Oh well - nobody designs a perfect game (CERTAINLY not NCSoft !! haha).

just because its bad and not many people would use it doesnt mean it shouldnt be in the game

4 years ago people would laugh their asses off at you if you said your caster character used a sword

They still do, you need a spear .

Actually, if you think about it, you can do almost as much damage with a staff or wand as you can with any other weapon. It's not "so absurd" to put a 15^50 on it, it's just (may) not the "best" use of the inscription slot. Then again, too many players spend too much time worrying about what is (marginally) "best", and not enough time having fun.

Think outside the box.

@OP - yes, it only affects the weapon's direct damage.