the wording for this seems to suggest that unlike vampiric which steals life it doesnt steal energy you just gain one energy. Am i correct in my assumption has anyone been able to see if this is true?
Yes, on my zealous axe, everytime I hit something I gain one point of energy. The zealous mod also causes -1 regen, though. However, I find that with the speed of my axe, the regen costs are negligible.