magic systems in fiction (general plus Robin Hobb)

[hengest]

In the Assassin's Apprentice series by Robin Hobb, the first book demos the dominant magic system, or part of it, through the experiences of a young child who is able to form telepathic / emotional bonds with nonhuman animals.  This is considered rather trashy, even repressed, magic.  Later, we learn more about the magic system as it might be described for a game system (sort of).  But that initial acquaintance with the "wit" (the animal magic described above) is well-handled by the author and creates an unusual degree of engagement.  

It's somewhat like Tolkien's very slow and unobtrusive introduction of magic and strangeness in the first chapters of LOTR.  

Seems this sort of thing could be used to introduce a magic system slowly to players in a new game setting.  You don't know anything about magic, your characters don't have any magic.  Then through direct and unexplained (but behind the scenes, coherent) experiences, they get to know some of how magic can work there.

Anyone done or planned anything like this?  Anyone found an unusual magic system in fiction inspiring?

[oldskolgmr]

There was a series by Lyndon Hardy, Master of the Five Magics, Secret of the Sixth Magic, and Riddle of the Seven Realms, that I found very engaging.
The Discussions about magic in Steven Brust's books set in Dragaereaa are also very cool.   

[The Perilous Dreamer]

Oct 25, 2021 0:52:10 GMT -5 oldskolgmr said:

There was a series by Lyndon Hardy, Master of the Five Magics, Secret of the Sixth Magic, and Riddle of the Seven Realms, that I found very engaging.
The Discussions about magic in Steven Brust's books set in Dragaereaa are also very cool.   

I really enjoyed the Lyndon Hardy series, I think I have read one Steven Brust book, but don't remember which one.

[Hexenritter Verlag]

Oct 25, 2021 0:52:10 GMT -5 oldskolgmr said:

There was a series by Lyndon Hardy, Master of the Five Magics, Secret of the Sixth Magic, and Riddle of the Seven Realms, that I found very engaging.
The Discussions about magic in Steven Brust's books set in Dragaereaa are also very cool.   

I love the differences between Dragaerean Sorcery vs. Witchcraft of the Humans. I especially enjoyed how Brust wove finding a Familiar and the relationship between Vlad and his Jhereg familiar Loiosh. 

[oldskolgmr]

(Nods head in affirmation) Yeish, I also liked those things. 
I'm not into RL numerology (or reincarnation), but it's interesting how those appear in the Vlad books.