Some people choose the empowered earth staff over the empowered fire staff, as it will eliminate the need for earth runes when casting Vengeance, while there is little damage difference between fire and earth spells. However, the empowered fire staff (along with any unpowered staff) will eliminate the need for fire runes when casting High Level Alchemy. The thigat staff has the same requirements and accuracy, and supplies infinite runes of all four elements.