Suggest some literary magical traditions

[Morrus]

I'm thinking of a poll for the main page, and came up with the idea of magical traditions you'd like to be able to easily emulate in your game. I'm talking existing traditions from movies, books and TV which are reasonably clearly defined and well-known.

What I need is a name and a one sentence descriptor for use in a poll. Here are a couple of suggestions to start with:

1) Harry Potter: everybody needs a wand

2) Lord of the Rings: few wizards, seemingly low-level magic

I need about ten of 'em, so any suggestions welcome!

 

[Hand of Evil]

Thread Magic - gathering of energy, the molding of it, and the casting of it. First saw it used in the book Madwand by Zelazny and the game Earthdawn.

Rune Magic - The ablility to create items.

 

[Morrus]

Thread Magic - gathering of energy, the molding of it, and the casting of it. First saw in used in the book Madwand by Zelazny and the game Earthdawn.

Thanks, HoE. Maybe a tad obscure, but we'll see.

Also, it would help if folks listed the tradition by the name of the media it appears in rather than the name it may have within that media - I'm trying to make this as simple as possible!

 

[jaerdaph]

Harry Dresden (The Dresden Files) and The Seven Laws of Magic

 

[Hand of Evil]

LEY Line - Magic that can only be performed at a location using the forces of nature. Paranormal occultism is the only source I know of.

Gem Stone - Magic related to gems. Paranormal occultism is the only source I know of.

 

[WayneLigon]

Deryni - Everyone uses psionics instead of magic.
Jhereg - Every Imperial citizen can use a little magic.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Wizard of Earthsea - wizards need a staff and truenames have power

Vancian - wizards have to memorise spells, which are forgotten once used

Discworld - wizards risk opening a hole to the dungeon dimensions if incautious

 

[Plane Sailing]

Conan/Elric - deal with demons to gain magical power

 

[Beckett]

Belgariad- The Will and the Word.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Wheel of Time: Magic is based on five "elemental" forces and weaving them together in different strengths and amounts for specific effects.

Belgariad: Magic is based on a sorceror drawing upon their own power and channeling it through a single word / short phrase (with two real limitations: you cannot undo another sorceror's work, and you cannot cause something to move into unbeing).

Call of Cthulhu: Magic is found in obscure tomes written in languages man was never meant to speak, and invoking it wears down your mind rather quickly.