In a book I am writing, there is a nationality of people. The Serpent's Tongue, they are called. And they have this intense power of manipulation. They can convince another person to do almost anything, but I think they need a downfall. A weakspot, if you understand my meaning.

Does your story have a group that are Christians? If so, maybe the Serpent's Tongue only influences those who are not Christians. Since the Christians have protection over their minds and heart.

*loves this name *

Well, perhaps if you give us a little more background on them, we could give ideas.

*nods* What do they look like? What is their role in the story? Could you tell a little about their culture?

For one thing, they could have to keep their manipulations subtle and/or gradual, because if they were too blatant with their lies they would forfeit their prey's suspension of disbelief.

Shannon Hale had a similar magical gift in her Books of Bayern called Peoplespeaking. The weakness in it, if you can call it that, per se, was one that all magical gifts in that setting shared - if you only had one gift without another to balance it, you'd eventually go insane.

Yes, I've read Shannon Hale's books. Manipulation is a bit different.

My friend and I came up with a different little thing. The people they use it on have a different kind of ability which allows them to understand the hearts and truths of people. That gift can be greater than manipulation. Also, the tribe has a deadly aversion to water.