Eh, the staff could just be made of metal instead of the traditional wood. At the very least, it could be tipped with metal like Cinque's for extra force to smash through armor.

Sure the first option would handle horribly, but lolmagic can make it work.

As for the touch thing, eh, I'm okay with either. Touch does make things a bit easier for Alam, since he won't have to pummel on people. I do think a more competitive tone to things is better though, and touching seems like it would be a bit dull.