Any point to using a staff or stave?

[Mr. Pain™]

How are these things any different from any other weapon? Do they make my mana recharge faster? If it does, I havent really noticed much of a difference yet, granted I'm only 2 hours into the game so far.

[Bloodmorn Vile]

They are supposed to increase mana regen, but there's some sort of bug with it. They also don't increase in proficiency right now.

The staves skill tree has some nice diverse spells for a mage. Otherwise, the gimmick to staves is the charge ability. The soulstaff sold in Khenmoore will charge by holding right click then pressing left click. You will use some of your mana to charge the staff. If a enemy is targeted, it will instead shoot a weak damage beam, but consume none of your mana. Do this 3 times and you can unleash a more powerful beam comparable to the thunderstaff skill.

The Old splintered staff, acolyte staff and apprentice soulstaff sold in Elderglen all have a charge similar to the soulstaff. But it is weaker, takes more charges and most annoyingly, can only be charged when the weapon is sheathed (obviously a bug). Arcane priest staff has a minor heal on charge instead.

They are poor at melee combat, keep your distance or have another weapon ready. Weapons that are considered halberds (copper greataxe, soldiers halberd, farmers scythe) can use some of the staves skills (Poisonous whaft, light, arcane tap, ward of protection and hollowed earth).
Thunderstaff, detonation and arcane burst can be activated, but sadly won't produce an attack with halberds.
Alternatively, as of right now, unarmed skills can be used regardless of having a weapon in your hands and are very powerful.

I like the staves, but to be honest, your probably better off using another weapon until they get fixed.