Minecraft Modding Help

Hi i am a new guy when it comes to modding. I have tried to use mod makers but it some of them dont come with the things i want in my mod. Please Answer my questions if you know anything about them.
1)How can i choose how much damage a sword does instead of the material it is made of?
2)How can i make mobs stand on blocks that i create?(Like the mice trader mod)
3)How can i Staves?
Thank you for the Help!