Joining

[Kaden]

Does Mana Regen ever kick up to the point where one doesn't have to pause and spend thirty seconds drinking after every two fights?

You get a channeled spell called "Evocation" that gives you back most of your mana over a few seconds and you also get the mana gems.

There are some talents that help with mana costs as well (I thought they were mostly Arcane talents, but could very well have changed).

For the most part, though, the drinking doesn't slow down.