Ori Staff Weapon
The staff weapon of the Ori, designed from scratch with a glowing orb.
The Ori Staff Weapon is the primary handheld firearm used by the Ori's followers, including the Priors. Art director James Robbins designed the Ori and the Priors from scratch, and the weapon of choice for the Ori was designed to look like a staff. The art department built each staff to have a little orb encased in natural wood, which glows when the actor pushes a little button on the handle. Each Prior was given his own unique symbol, which he would wear on his wardrobe and also on his staff weapon.
- Origin
- Belief-Powered Technology
Lore & Background
The Ori Staff Weapon was conceived as part of the new direction for Season 9 of Stargate SG-1, which introduced the Ori as the primary antagonists. Art director James Robbins designed the Ori and the Priors from scratch, starting with a basic description of them and their powers, and that their weapon of choice would look like a staff. The art department looked at Samurai to design their costumes. Each Prior was given his own unique symbol, which he would wear on his wardrobe and also on his staff weapon. The art department built each staff to have a little orb encased in natural wood, which glows when the actor pushes a little button on the handle. The weapon is used by the Priors, who serve as the Ori's missionaries, and by the Doci, a chief Prior who acts as a mediator or mouthpiece for the Ori.
In Their Own Story
In the original pitch for "Beachhead," Brad Wright had intended to let the Ori build and come through the Supergate. It was then decided among the writers to only let the threat of the Ori come through the Priors, and to postpone the actual arrival of the Ori until the end of the season. The Priors, carrying their staff weapons, are the primary agents of the Ori in the Milky Way galaxy. The last ten minutes of "Camelot" serve as a "great, ominous harbinger of the foe" SG-1 is up against, with the Ori sweeping through the Milky Way galaxy in Season 10, forcing SG-1 to start from scratch again in finding technology, resources, and allies to fight against them.
Reader's Guide
The Ori Staff Weapon is the standard-issue directed energy firearm for the Priors and other followers of the Ori. Designed by art director James Robbins, the weapon features a staff-like appearance with a little orb encased in natural wood at the tip. The orb glows when the user pushes a little button on the handle. Each Prior's staff weapon bears his own unique symbol, matching the symbol on his wardrobe. The weapon is used by the Priors, who are the Ori's missionaries, and by the Doci, the chief Prior who acts as a mediator or mouthpiece for the Ori. The Ori Staff Weapon is a symbol of the Ori's power and their attempt to control non-ascended beings through the religion called Origin.
Did You Know?
- Art director James Robbins designed the Ori Staff Weapon from scratch, based on a basic description that the weapon of choice would look like a staff.
- Each Prior was given his own unique symbol, which he would wear on his wardrobe and also on his staff weapon.
- The art department built each staff to have a little orb encased in natural wood, which glows when the actor pushes a little button on the handle.
- The Ori Staff Weapon is used by the Priors, the Ori's missionaries, and by the Doci, a chief Prior who acts as a mediator or mouthpiece for the Ori.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ori Staff Weapon?
It is a handheld energy rifle used by the military forces of the Ascended Beings known as the Ori. Visually, it mimics the design of Goa'uld staff weapons but features white or gold plating to reflect its religious significance.
How does the weapon generate power?
Unlike conventional firearms, this technology is fueled by the belief and faith of the user rather than standard energy cells. This connection makes it a potent symbol of devotion within the Ori hierarchy.
Who typically wields these staff weapons?
They are issued to both Warrior monks and Priests who serve as enforcers for the Ascended Beings across the galaxy. Possession of the weapon signifies authority and dedication to the Order's doctrine.
Is it similar to Goa'uld technology?
While it shares a similar physical shape with older Goa'uld staff weapons, its internal mechanics rely on ascended energy sources instead of standard plasma. The distinct color scheme helps distinguish the user as an agent of the Ori rather than the System Lords.
What happens to these weapons after the Ori are defeated?
Following the defeat of the Ori and the collapse of their faith, the weapons lose their power source effectively rendering them inert. Most remaining units were likely discarded or repurposed by former followers seeking new allegiances.
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