Applying conditions

[Dragonsborn]

Can you only apply a condition on a target if you have damaged this target with your attack, f.e.: when you defend with ring of fire and you do no damage, do the burns still apply?

[Zuberi]

The effect die is not dependent upon the damage dice. You can absolutely cause an effect without doing damage or do damage without causing an effect. By all means, watch them burn.

[V10lentray]

Actions resulting from the effect die are independent of the attack die.

You can completely swing and miss with the attack dice, yet still set your opponent on fire, or stun, or daze, or Sleep....