I've always had a thought or two on this one....lots of magicy people seem to use focus items...tarot cards, crystal balls, wands and all that, and have always been presented with them. The staff is a great one, as it should provide an active focus (look at fire spells - they literally light the fire from their hands and channel it down the staff length) AND something to aim with too. Then, if you look at being tired after chucking magic about, it'll hold you up...you're not as trained (strong and fit) as warriors, so it helps in supporting/wandering about ways too, PLUS, if you look from a martial artist's point of view, it's balanced in the middle, it can easily be spun round...a spear is a staff with a spikey bit...many warriors use spears in a similar way to staves as a weapon. You don't want some nasty walking up to you and not have a weapon, and a staff is very much a great defensive weapon.
This. In-universe, a mage's staff probably contains enchantments that help draw and store energy from the Fade. Mages typically aren't trained in physical combat, and a staff is just about the simplest weapon there is. Also, considering that Irving gives the mage Warden one on passing the Harrowing, it seems likely that they double as a ceremonial status symbol. Or as an easily visible marker for people to pick out of a crowd so they know who to stay away from.
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