[Magic Mechanics that annoy you]

I like idea of ingrediences AND cast times. I can imagine that when caster grows in levels he should not spend too much ingerdients/non on low level spells and can cast them almost instantly, but then when it comes to casting finger of death user have to stand still, read from the spell book mumbling dark rituals and using rare ingredients for such valuable spell and your party should protect that wizard for that time or he will have to start over if he is interupted. Of course, high level spells should have cooldown to protect from spamming them infinetly. This could be really great as different spells would require different ingredients. I quite like casting system in Ultima Online. There should be magic shop selling ingredients but the most valuable should be spare and you should probably go hunting these things. Need toad eyes? swap are it is. Need sulphur? lets go party to volcano. This can even 'force' user to not spend valuable ingredients on pathetic foes and resting after each fight

 

I agree of course that spell times should be increased depending on the difficulty of the spell. While pure magic users should be frail, let's not forget that they can study protection spells to counter balance their lack of being able to wear any kind of heavy armor. This particular breed of mage should have the largest variety of spells, but would require players to experiement with components to create recipes. This would offer a really diverse dynamic to the game, making everyone's experience very different and unique.

[Necromancy/Shamanic?]

There is life and death in this game, regardless of whether a class is made to manipulate it or not. So I'd like to see some kind of emphasis on that, what though I'm not sure. I've always favored the class and the idea of controlling the undead to serve my purpose. However, I have to agree with Umberlin too. Something fresh would be fantastic.

[Magic Mechanics that annoy you]

I really don't like spells just being handed to me on a silver platter. I've always preferred the method of seeking out components (which are used) in combination with recipes that I discover on my own. There's something very satisfying about using magic that I feel like I've developed from scratch.