I'm not getting any more than 3 per run.

I use to do this but on normal difficulty & only with the starting wand.
You get bonus skulls for (not using mana, not getting hit, not using Traps, Weapons, Guardians, Trinkets)
So you could have gotten another skull since your guardians didn't do much

Can't guarantee 17 though, skulls picked up is random, still a very nice set up. As for the staff? The basic wand is still just as good. Just use fully charged up left clicks. Takes longer to fire, but just be careful with your aiming and you'll be fine.

really ? no idea, then it will take a bit more maybe ? the rest of the trap will do the job ? wow, i'll say again: no idea about the staf, and I havent played the game in a while, so no way for me to check for another wep, lol, nice one, you just planted a mystery i would have to solve by installing the game again xD

what if you don't have the Family ties Dlc because thats where the staf comes from

ha nice one mate also ha 17 skulls every time in like 3 and a half mins insane