Foci

[Quickleaf]

I'm writing up an article on "foci: alternatives to the spellbook." Basically, the article removes the assumption that all wizards learn from spellbooks, and provides a series of options instead. These options detail what the wizard must do to prepare spells, such as meditating, sacrificing a goat, dancing in a trance, etc.

What ideas have you used or do you think would be a good replacement for the spellbook?

For example, for a wizard who wishes to select a traditional spellbook...

Spellbook [Foci]
You scribe your spells into a tome with exotic inks - this book provides you with a gateway to your magical power by reminding you of magical symbolism & geometry each time you read it.
Benefit: You may read from your spellbook when casting a spell, doubling the casting time (minimum 2 rounds). The spell functions at +1 caster level.
Hindrance: You need your spellbook (or some magic written text) to prepare spells. You cannot prepare any spell unless you have scribed it to your spellbook.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

Staves, crystal balls, component pouches, talisman/charm collections, meditation rituals or prayers, and drugs present themselves.

 

[Psimancer]

A couple of ideas off the top of my head...
Tattoos – maybe takes twice as long to memorise to balance convenience.
Candles – may only be used X number of times before being exhausted.
Incense – one use, but many can be carried.
Locational – places of power, such as Stone Henge for example. The spells could be carved into stone and/or be unique to the area. One example would be a higher level spell that was memorised and/or cast at a lower level when within the environ; Teleport as a 1st level spell for instance.
Runes - the actual act of scribing them, may or may not need to be destroyed afterwards.