High Crit Weapon Used as Implement

[N0Man]

Forgive me... but it's obvious to me now that I obviously did not read this closely enough and totally missed that one of those powers was an implement power with [W] Damage... That's really weird. I didn't think such a thing existed.

Well, based on the very same rules that I already cited, I would personally allow High Crit on Lingering Lightning, despite the fact that it's an implement power, because it applies weapon damage. Honestly, the description of it sounds like more of like an implement power, and doesn't sound like you are actually hitting with the weapon, but that doesn't change the fact it applies weapon damage.

For Sword Burst, I think this clearly falls under the opinion I gave earlier. No, for High Crit property.

For Spidersilk Slash, I can see how it's debatable. I'm going to rule no for High Crit property with it, but I do so with some reservations. I am leaning towards that being closer to the RAW. However, if I had a player argue for it, I think that I'd let them have it just because it is subject to debate.

If when confronted with 2 interpretations that are both reasonable and valid, I say it's better to choose the side that your players want and not worry too much about if you're right.

 

[logopolis]

None of them are entirely clear, but here are the relevant rules I can find:

High Crit: A high crit weapon deals more damage when you score a critical hit with it. A critical hit deals maximum weapon damage and an extra 1[W] at 1st–10th levels, an extra 2[W] at 11th–20th levels, and an extra 3[W] at 21st–30th levels. This extra damage is in addition to any critical damage the weapon supplies if it is a magic weapon. (High crit description, PH p. 217)
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The PH description of high crit suggests that high crit should apply when weapon damage applies. The wording is rather strange, though.

Implements: Any light blade or heavy blade. Your
blade adds its enhancement bonus to attack rolls
and damage rolls and any extra damage granted by
a property (if applicable) when used as an implement.
You do not gain your weapon proficiency
bonus to the attack roll when using your blade as an
implement. (Swordmage description, FRPG p. 24)

When you are using a magic weapon as an implement, like a Holy Avenger or a Pact Dagger, what benefits do you get from the weapon?
You gain any bonuses listed under Enhancement, Critical and Property. (PH FAQ question 17)
​

The FRPG and PH FAQ suggest that properties always apply, regardless if you're using the item as a weapon or implement. However, one could argue that they're talking about magic properties, and not weapon properties here.

 

[jaelis]

I'd be curious to add Opening Shove (weapon attack, no damage) to that list too

Also, I wonder what would happen if a swordmage who had taken Arcane Implement Proficiency (wand) used Lingering Lightning.