Old Gumphrey said:[although I'm using scale and a light shield, to avoid the check penalties, save feats, and be able to wield a warhammer in one hand (for OA) and a rod in the other (for burninating)].
You can't do this. Using an implement counts as wielding it like a weapon, so you can't wield a rod in your shield hand. You can carry it, and get any passive bonuses that come from holding the rod, but you can't use it with your powers.