D&D 5E Do flasks and vials of oil/acid/holy water do improvised weapon damage?

[ECMO3]

The rules state you make an improvised weapon attack when you make these. Do most people give the 1d4 improvised weapon damage plus the damage/effect noted?

 

[iserith]

No. My reading of the rules suggests that its distinction as an improvised weapon is only meant to point out that no proficiency bonus is added to the attack roll (Tavern Brawler feat excepted, if applicable).

 

[doctorbadwolf]

The rules state you make an improvised weapon attack when you make these. Do most people give the 1d4 improvised weapon damage plus the damage/effect noted?

Usually I just give the notes effect and damage (if any), but it would make sense to make that damage/effect in addition to the attack damage.

 

[MarkB]

You generally want to be lobbing them to shatter on the ground at a target's feet and splash them. Throw them directly at the target and you risk hitting them somewhere soft and the flask remaining intact.

 

[Xetheral]

The rules state you make an improvised weapon attack when you make these. Do most people give the 1d4 improvised weapon damage plus the damage/effect noted?

No, but according to JC you do add your dex mod to the damage (with the timing of the damage determined by the timing of the normal damage roll for the item in question). It makes these weapons much more effective than they first appear.

Other potential add-ons to damage depend heavily on how your DM treats improvised weapons. (And there are something like a half-dozen different interpretations, so it can vary wildly.)