Weapon Proficiencies

[cjr88]

So, I just can't find the rules for weapon proficiency anywhere. I'd love it if someone could point me in the right direction. I really need the rules for weapon proficiency bonuses when casting spells

 

[the Jester]

Spells almost always use implements rather than weapons.

A weapon used as an implement ignores the weapon proficiency rules.

Basically, there's no advantage to having a non-magical, non-special implement when casting a spell; only those with magical or special properties give you any kind of advantage (bonus to attack & damage, etc).

Attacks with the Weapon keyword that are made with a proficient weapon get the weapon's proficiency bonus to attack as well (usually +2 or +3). But again, Implement powers ignore that bonus even when the character is using a weapon as an implement. This is because Weapon powers typically target AC while Implement powers nearly always target NADs, which are (again, as a rule) about 2 points lower than AC.

EDIT: As for references, sorry, IDHMBIFOM.

 

[sigfile]

Feats are why you'd use a non-magical implement. You can't benefit from Rod Expertise/Focus unless you're actually wielding a rod.

 

[cjr88]

Thanks, that clears up the matter

 

[the Jester]

Feats are why you'd use a non-magical implement. You can't benefit from Rod Expertise/Focus unless you're actually wielding a rod.

Aha, a very good point!