Staff Weapon

[Anissa T]

This thread is dedicated to all things
http://www.gateworld.net/omnipedia/technology/graphics/staffweapon.jpg
about the Staff Weapon

[Anissa T]

I have to admit, I never understood this line of defense. Slow and inaccurate weapon.

[Dev Brown]

Yeah, I also wonder why the Goa'uld (or the Wraith for that matter) haven't got any long range (sniper) weapon systems. Even the deathgliders don't have missiles or something like that.

[Robin K]

When used by well trained Jaffa, the staff weapon is a formidable weapon. It seems 'slow' to us because we're accustomed to weapons that hurl projectiles at velocities of hundreds of feet per second. Also, keep in mind that the weapons inspire fear. Control of the slaves is a major concern, and keeping them terrified is one way of maintaining that control. Visually, the effects of a staff weapon are terrifying...again, part of that control.

I love the way Teal'c can spin his weapon and fire behind him without looking.

[Anissa T]

I guess I could understand it from that point of view. Those were probably mostly used with the slaves. Still, I find it hard that they continued to use them in combat.

[Robin K]

I don't, not really. Think about the battle scenes we have seen with staff weapons...all of those 'energy beams' flying around...that's a deadly setting, just as deadly as any other. I think also we have to remember that our 'version' of war/battles differs from that of the Jaffa/Goa'uld. There's more than just a battle going on...it's a jockeying for position...who's Jaffa are braver, faster, stronger...etc. Impressions are as important to the Goa'uld as actual results. It's all a lot of posturing...again, that's just the Goa'uld.

[Dev Brown]

Yeah, but it's not quite efficient, all fighting takes place at ranges well under 100 metres while their technology would easly allow them to create long(er) range weapons. Plus I find it strange they don't have any amour or mechanized infantery.

[Robin K]

I guess the fact that most of the battles are fairly 'one-sided'...after all, attacking defenseless villages seems to be the running theme, 'shock and awe' are the objectives, not actual destruction.

Again, it's all about perception, and the perception of 'god-like' powers.

When the Goa'uld battle one another, they seem to prefer doing so in space, where their ships are heavily armed.

[Dev Brown]

Yeah that true, that would also explain why our 21 century weapon and tactics work so well :p

[Robin K]

Exactly...I think that's why the Tau'ri have been so successful...they aren't awed by staff weapons, and have weapons of their own that are much more formidable. You'd think the Goa'uld would stay up with the times...nah...that wouldn't happen...they're all far to arrogant and too certain of their superiority...*grin*