Can you wield two implements?

[Kordeth]

Show me the rules quote where it says I have to hold a staff in two hands to benefit from it as an implement.

There isn't one, that's why every time this topic gets brought up it goes on for multiple pages. Implements, in point of fact, are not divided into one- and two-handed varieties the way weapons are, and there are no size-related rules for using implements, only weapons. Ergo, you don't have to wield a staff in two hands to use one as an implement, and ergo halfling wizards can use staffs as implements. Only when using a staff as a weapon do we enter the realm where items are defined by how many hands it takes and how big you have to be to use them.

 

[haferka]

I would say that you can "wield" an implement in each hand.. but that you need to pick one when using it for a particular spell.

So.. "Properties" of both implements would apply.. but only the "Critical" & "Enhancment" for the one you select will apply to a particular spell.

 

[Mengu]

Duct tape the orb to the top of the staff.

While you're at it, duct tape a wand to the other end. The orb end will make a fine shoulder rest.

 

[jrz069]

Wow, that is a great question. PHB p. 236 says of Holy Symbols: "Unlike other implements, you need only to wear a holy symbol for its property of power to function." That suggests you need to do more with the orb + staff than just have them in contact with you. You can wield a weapon in each hand and choose which one you want to attack with if one of the weapons is labeled "Off Hand" (PHB p. 217), and I can't believe a wand wouldn't be considered as light and balanced as the weapons listed as off-hand-able. Orbs are heavy though (PHB 238), staffs are two-handed as weapons, so I wouldn't buy an argument that either should be considered off-hand-able. Nothing clearly stated in the text, I might buy an argument that you ought to be able to wield a wand in your off hand and choose between that and an implement in your primary hand. I can't find anything suggesting a staff or orb should be treated that way.

 

[interwyrm]

Wow, that is a great question. PHB p. 236 says of Holy Symbols: "Unlike other implements, you need only to wear a holy symbol for its property of power to function." That suggests you need to do more with the orb + staff than just have them in contact with you. You can wield a weapon in each hand and choose which one you want to attack with if one of the weapons is labeled "Off Hand" (PHB p. 217), and I can't believe a wand wouldn't be considered as light and balanced as the weapons listed as off-hand-able. Orbs are heavy though (PHB 238), staffs are two-handed as weapons, so I wouldn't buy an argument that either should be considered off-hand-able. Nothing clearly stated in the text, I might buy an argument that you ought to be able to wield a wand in your off hand and choose between that and an implement in your primary hand. I can't find anything suggesting a staff or orb should be treated that way.

I think weight is a non-issue. You don't have to swing an implement around like a weapon to use it.

 

[jmucchiello]

Why not switch the question to a wand and an orb to avoid to the two-handedness problem of the staff? Can a wizard travel with a wand in one hand and an orb in another and empower spells with either as needed?

 

[Talzar]

You should be able to hold an implement in each hand. But when you go to use a power, you need to pick which one you are "weilding". That is the one you gain the bonus from.

Also you can weild a staff in one hand and use it as an implement. But to use it as a weapon, you need two hands.

 

[Mort_Q]

I can't find anything suggesting a staff or orb should be treated that way.

Nor can I find anything suggesting a staff or orb shouldn't be treated that way.

 

[Tellerve]

Show me the rules quote where it says I have to hold a staff in two hands to benefit from it as an implement.

Hmm, ya know, I'm not sure. I thought I saw it earlier but now all I see is that you have to wield it, page 157, and it is a staff, and a two-handed weapon and it says it is too heavy or unbalanced to be used without two hands.

You could argue that this is for the melee aspect of a staff as opposed to the implement aspect, however, so you're right...I gotta keep looking. Or maybe sleep.

Tellerve

 

[Kordeth]

Hmm, ya know, I'm not sure. I thought I saw it earlier but now all I see is that you have to wield it, page 157, and it is a staff, and a two-handed weapon and it says it is too heavy or unbalanced to be used without two hands.

You could argue that this is for the melee aspect of a staff as opposed to the implement aspect, however, so you're right...I gotta keep looking. Or maybe sleep.

Tellerve

I'll save you the time. There is no rule anywhere in the PHB that defines how many hands you need to wield an implement, and implements are nowhere defined by "handedness" the way weapons are. Whether that's the rule as intended or an oversight is something only an FAQ or errata can answer.