Uninstall the game, then go into start->My computer->Local Disk (C->Program files. Then delete the whole mount&Blade folder. This should help the problem. Then reinstall the game again.
Just a suggestion (like you need anymore, right?) Why not create a mesh from the staff that looks like a tree. That could be pretty cool. Swing around a tree!
I did a search and couldn't find a thing about what it actually meant. I have an idea, but not completely sure. I think it means the original native game... Is that right?