Quote Originally Posted by SweetRein View Post
The concept is neat, however, I wouldn't carry it further than a novel.
Setting a significant personal cost causes the issue of a player being unable (or too paranoid and thus unable) to use their class abilities. A player doesn't choose to be a magic user to shoot a crossbow.

Really, I've always been of the opinion that magic should be less tolling, more consistent, and weaker. Also, more subtle.

It also must be mentioned that who is playing matters/what is being played. A life force draining mage might make a great BBEG - giving the interesting effect of the witches in Stardust - but it's not so interesting for a player.
Very true, especially the underlined part. Which is why I whole-heartedly support Warlocks, Reserve Feats, 4e At-wills, and the Pathfinder at-will type abilities that most mage types get.

As for the witches in Stardust, you're right, it does fuel into that, and the whole draining someone else's life force to keep yourself young and powerful etc that you can find in a few myths and fairy tales.

Also, SweetRein, how'd that little battle go?