Byzantine intrigues artifice backscratching backstairs influence behind-the-scenes influence cabal collusion complicity complot confederacy connections connivance conspiracy contrivance contriving counterplot covin deals deep-laid plot devices engineering expedients finagling finesse frame-up game games influence influence peddling intrigue intrigues little game lobbying lobbyism logrolling machination maneuvering maneuvers manipulation plot plotting ploys political influence public opinion rigging ropes scheme schemery schemes scheming social pressure special-interest pressure stratagem strings tactical maneuvers tactics trick underplot web of intrigue wires