FFXI magic like all fantasy magic in either novels or RPGs has it's ultamate roots in real world occult literatue. I am speaking of cours of magical philosophy as a plot not of actual game mechanics.

That being said anyone interested in exploring the nature of magic and what it means to be a mage or to use magic as far as plot material could probably benifit from reading some basic texts on practical theories of magic.

Several texts on this subject and so many others can be found on this webpage.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/

For summoners I recomend The Lesser Key of Solomon also known as the Lemegeton.

If nothing else this can provide ideas for some really intense IC spell chants for summoners.

I also recomend The Philosophy of Natural Magic, by Henry Cornelius as a good begining text.

There are several texts on this webpage dealing with myths, legends, magic, alchemy and other topics; as well as a few more modern texts that are more novel than philosophy.

While this may or may not provide RP fodder that can be used ingame it's an entertaining way to pass the time if you're interested in such things. :twisted:Kaolla