Suggest some literary magical traditions

[Tonguez]

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

actually no Wizards (as per DnD usage) in LotRs all spellcasters are outsiders.

On Stranger Tides (Tim Powers) - magic requires blood to work (you can use your own or sacrifice someone (or thing) elses) and is mediated by spirits (Loa/gods). Blood contains hot iron which is why you get the taste of hot iron in your mouth when someone is using magic and also why cold iron stops magic.

Gemmel Crystals - crystals radiate magical energy which can be tapped by humans and which in turn can change humans into more powerful forms. The crystals can be 'feed' on blood

 

[jdrakeh]

Conan/Elric - deal with demons to gain magical power

Yes, please. I'd recommend going the Solomonic approach with serial numbers files off. Most of the 'ancient' texts such as the Claviculus Solomonis are public domain now, so they provide a good basis to work off of. Basically, magic is a very involved procedure which consists of creating a magic circle (for the caster to stand in), a binding circle (to evoke an entity in), and a special ritual (that allows the caster to make demands of said entity).

Also. . .

Tracing Patterns

In John de Chancie's Castle Perilous novels, spell casting is freeform-ish, with the caster tracing a magical symbol in the air (it becomes visible as it is traced) to evoke certain effects. Basic effects, it seems, are learned via rote, as are the symbols necessary to cast them, though it also appears that these symbols can be altered on the fly to produce variant effects.

 

[Clavis]

The Legends of Charlemagne: Magic is based upon the control of demons, for which one requires a magic book.

The Tempest: Magicians use formulas found in books, and channel power through a staff, but the spirits can still resist and must also be persuaded verbally.

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus: Power comes from a pact with a summoned evil spirit.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Gem magic from RA Salvatore's other fantasy series.

 

[Geron Raveneye]

Alchemy from Full Metal Alchemist would make for an interesting system I believe. Basically it's transformation magic, which needs a transformation circle to work. Except when using the Philosopher's Stone, an alchemist needs an amount of similar material to what he tries to create (The Law of Equal Trade). Transformation of living beings is damn hard, and human transformation (Resurrection) usually fails, causing the target to turn into an artificially animated homunculus.

Oh, and the Philosopher's Stone is created by sacrificing groups (sometimes villages) of humans inside a transformation circle.

 

[RangerWickett]

Use The Force: Jedi can use their willpower and discipline to conjure magical effects from an all-pervasive energy field that binds the universe together.

 

[Ed_Laprade]

Ley Line magic, circles, summoning, etc., are all in the Palladium RPG.

 

[FnordBear]

Addative and Subtractive Magic (Sword of Truth): People are born with an inborn talent to use magic, some rare few can be taught. Magic is produced via force of will and is mostly free-form however complex formulas can be used to make free form and predictable results. Most spell casters use Addative magic which can alter or create but not destroy (though creating something like a fireball and sure 'destroy' something) subtractive magic can uncreate and truely destroy as well as manipulate the underworld. People who use magic, be they born or taught, usually only have the ability to use one type of magic. A rare few are born with the gift for both (war wizards) and still a few others make demonic pacts to gain subtractive magic.

Magic also contains a gender component, males and females access magic in diffrent ways and thusly to have a high success rate in learning to preform magic the teacher should be of the same gender of the student though some limited sucess can occur with diffrent gendered teachers.

 

[Felix]

The Dresden Files: Magic in a modern setting; magical non-interference injunction.

 

[Tonguez]

Alvin Makers Knacks could be cool - Charms and beseechings, hexes and potions and people born with knacks including dowsers, sparks, second sight, torches or some other unusual knack (minor ability). Physical Hexes can be used to enhance knacks and the Maker has the greatest Knack of all