What bonuses do I get to Implement attacks when I use my weapon as an implement?

Question

If I use my longsword as implement and have the Weapon Expertise Heavy Blade feat, does the +1 apply to implement attacks as well?

Answer 1

When you use your weapon as an implement you get the following bonuses:

• The enhancement bonus from the magical enchantment

• The benefit of any expertise feat that includes the term "implement"

• Anything else that applies specifically to "attacks" made through or with that weapon (rogue can use sneak attack with a light blade implement)

You do not get benefits from the following bonuses:

• The weapon's proficiency bonus (+2/+3)

• The benefit form a expertise feat that specifies weapon.

• Any benefits that specifically specify weapon attacks.

If you have a character that plans to use a weapon as both an implement and a weapon it is a good idea to look at the new expertise feats published in Dragon 402 which include limited use expertise feats for both weapon and implement powers (or generic attacks).

Answer 2

From what I recall, no. Weapon expertise and implement expertise are different. Weapon expertise grants the bonus when you use the weapon to do physical damage with the weapon, such as a melee basic attack. Implement expertise gives you a bonus when you use the weapon as an implement for an attack, such as eldritch blast.