So I'm thinking about what I could create if I do Next RPG Superstar, and a thought that occurred to me (although I've already decided against it) is a staff that transforms into a snake. Now, I quickly found out that that has already been done (so I won't be doing it), but it did raise a question for me: does a staff or stave count as a wondrous item. They are listed in two separate sections in Ultimate Equipment, and I'm fairly new to the game, so I really don't know.
Thanks in advance for your answers!