Learning about combat damage buffs

Hey guys,

So this past game we had an occasion where two weapon damage buffs were cast.  One by a performer and one by the shaman.  So that I am sure how these work for future reference,  do they buff base damage (all strikes are called as vital strikes +x) or do they only buff the actual combat skill based vital strikes that expend combat taglines (for example my martial school skill "Force of the Ocean") 

thanks,