My idea for a non mana Wiz system - Page 3

Why not indeed? If you have played soul reaver 2, the "overheat" mechanic on the soul reaver was quite well implemented, IMO. You get that rush when you see the soul reaver get charged to max because you were doing maximum damage (and foes were dropping in 2-3 hits), yet you knew you had to make the battle a quick one as the sword was constantly draining health from you.

I don't see what old dog is trying to drive at. We are not saying that wizards should stop casting spells just because they are overheating. In fact, we are envisioning that many players will be willing to stay at "overheat" and suffer the drawbacks in exchange for the opportunity to deal more damage.

The analogy about the barb's weapon exploding is simply fallacious and a misrepresentation of our ideas.