Thematically limiting magic in D&D/PF

[Frog Dragon]

I've been running games in the same setting for a few years now, and I'm trying to find a good framework to limit spellcasting to thematically connected spheres.

The setting wasn't originally built as a D&D setting, but that's what I (and the people I play with) play. A key feature of magic in this setting is that it's almost universally tied to religious belief, ritual, and rote, and different magical traditions produce different kinds of spellcasters. There isn't really a difference between arcane and divine (in a sense 95% of spellcasters would be divine). The setting is largely low-level (E6-E10 range), and high level effects are organization-wide projects (which can be essentially DM-fiat).

For example, Exodite Seers are pretty well versed in divination, teleportation, and planar travel, but system doesn't lend itself well to other kinds of magic. Yunthal Stormlords draw on a loose tradition of animistic spirit worship and sea gods, and have access to a variety of elemental magic, particularly that relating to weather and the sea.

If anyone could refer me to homebrews or similar that would model this, it would be much appreciated. The easier to transplant on 3.5/PF the better.

[Hellpyre]

Spheres of Power comes to mind. It's built for Pathfinder, so I recommend taking a look.

[Grod_The_Giant]

I did something like this, breaking up the existing huge spellcasting classes into more thematically focused specialists in the vein of the Beguiler and Dread Necro. Take a look (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?317861-Fixed-List-Caster-Project-%283-5%29&p=16545265).

[Psyren]

Spheres of Power comes to mind. It's built for Pathfinder, so I recommend taking a look.

Adding links:

http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/
http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/using-spheres-of-power

[Dr_Dinosaur]

Spheres of Power comes to mind. It's built for Pathfinder, so I recommend taking a look.


Adding links:
http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/
http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/using-spheres-of-power

I sound like a broken record, but learn Spheres, throw together some casting traditions that fit your world, and decide which, if any, legendary talents to allow. Simple and effective.

[timeeater14]

One of the Dragon Mags (#334? The Far Realm one with the umbragen) had a sorcerer ACF that did that.

[calam]

You can always limit the players to thematic spell casters like bards and dread necromancers. There's also an elemental wizard variable somewhere in pathfinder. Do you have any ideas on how you want to limit abilities (based on elements, schools, something else)?

Edit: I realized you said what limitations you want up top and I think using different specialized classes would probably be the best but you'll probably have to do some homebrewing