Can a Ranged Weapon be an Implement?

[Kinneus]

Building a dwarven artificer, and I was wondering if it's possible to use a throwing hammer as an implement. 'Arcane Implement Proficiency' seemed to do the trick, but then I read that the implement had to be associated with "any arcane class." And, if I remember correctly, Swordmages can only use heavy blades as implements. Or was it light blades, too? Because I might be willing to switch to a dagger, just to avoid the tedium of taking both Weapon Expertise and Implement Expertise.
Does anyone know a relatively non-cheesy way I can use my throwing hammer as an implement? Or is that impossible?

 

[Tale]

A throwing hammer? Pretty sure that's a no.

But I can't find anything specifically prohibiting it. But I can't find the Arcane Implement Proficiency feat, either. So I'm rather unhelpful.

 

[abyssaldeath]

As far as I know the only ranged weapons that are currently available a implements are light blades and one heavy blade(Drow Long Knife). There are no classes that get hammers or axes as implements.

 

[bganon]

It's definitely a stretch, but... pact hammers (AV) function as warlock implements for dwarves, and Arcane Implement Proficiency lets you choose an implement associated with any arcane class and use it for your arcane powers. So you could argue that since pact hammers are "associated with" dwarven Warlocks, then you can use AIP to use one for artificer powers.

Personally, I don't really think that's RAW or even RAI. On the other hand, I think a dwarven artificer with a throwing hammer implement would be awesome and so I'd allow it. I don't see how it could break the game.

 

[Tale]

It's definitely a stretch, but... pact hammers (AV) function as warlock implements for dwarves, and Arcane Implement Proficiency lets you choose an implement associated with any arcane class and use it for your arcane powers. So you could argue that since pact hammers are "associated with" dwarven Warlocks, then you can use AIP to use one for artificer powers.

Personally, I don't really think that's RAW or even RAI. On the other hand, I think a dwarven artificer with a throwing hammer implement would be awesome and so I'd allow it. I don't see how it could break the game.

I actually wouldn't call that a stretch, assuming there's nothing in the wording of AIP preventing implements normally granted only by feat. However, they're not throwing hammers.

 

[Nytmare]

http://www.enworld.org/forum/4e-fan-creations-house-rules/268637-swordmage-why-not-hammermage.html

1. Find a heavy blade that you like, that works with all the swordmage powers. My personal vote would be for a Drow Long Knife.
2. Copy down all of the pertinent information about the blade. Drow Long Knife, superior melee weapon, +3 prof, 1d6 damage, heavy blade, heavy thrown, off hand
3. Cross out the part where it says "Drow Long Knife" and write in "Mega-Ultra Elite Dwarven Throwing Hammer of Doom"

 

[kerbarian]

It's not a throwing hammer, but the Crossbow Caster feat in Dragon 381 allows you to use a crossbow as an Artificer implement.

 

[Starfox]

For a Swordmage, there are two issues here.

One: is the weapon an implement.
Two: can I use it with Swordmage Warding?

You can use a pact hammer as an implement with the right feat, but you cannot use it with swordmage warding, which makes the whole exercise pretty pointless.

What you can do is use a throwing blade (such as a dagger) or ask your DM to be a hammermage instead - very fitting for a dwarf. Notice, however, that Swrodmages are not very good at hitting, so the poor proficiency bonus on a hammer will hurt your <Weapon> attacks.

 

[chitzk0i]

Throwing hammer is hard. On the other hand, artificers have a feat called crossbow caster to let them use crossbows as implements.

 

[Turtlejay]

The easiest way to do this is to just hold you implement in your other hand. Not the answer you were looking for, sure, but throwing hammers are one handed, so nothing really preventing you from doing that. Many artificers are going to do this anyways, given their range of melee, ranged, and implement powers. Yes, it sucks to maintain two main magic items, but other classes, like rangers, have to do it as well.

Or, riffing off of that Swordmage thread, you could go for Khopesh(implement from AIP) in one hand and hand axe in the other hand. A little feat heavy, but frikkin awesome to behold.

Jay