Being able to put someone on the throne. The ability to emphasise the good or bad at will. Being the one in the shadows that wields the power, real power, whilst there's struggle on a large scale chess board.
To diminish achievements, downright erase them, or boost them out of proportion for gain. Weaponise the social circles to love or hate at will. Move their interests, their perception.
Put a crown on a head, or chop said head off the shoulders, all to maintain the rules of the realm. The rules are held by the Kingmakers.
The rules are simple:
1. There's 13 Kingdoms across the vast continent
2. There must be 13 Kings/Queens at all times
3. The wars and struggles are necessary for the advancement of the realm, or its cleansing
4. The Kings/Queens must NOT be aware of the power held by Kingmakers
5. Only the select may install Kings/Queens on the throne, said Kings/Queens can indulge but only if it aligns with the interest of their Kingmakers
6. Collaborate with other shadows, but only at a certain merit - the game must be played and maintained at all times
7. There is only 13 Kingmakers that rule the shadows - if one dies - another shall appear taking its place
8. Kingmakers abide only by the rules of the Architects. Said rules are NOT to be shared. Successful Kingmakers become Architects
This world has been striving for some level of achievement for over 250 years. All the Kingmakers have been in the Kingdoms. Not one Kingmaker made it to become an Architect in the last 250 years.
Doubts can creep in, though some still use their powers now only to indulge in their desires. The way rules were obeyed and what came of it - no longer makes any sense.
Kingmakers, upon their will, may share about their powers - empowering the Kings/Queens they've placed upon the throne.
Wars have not stopped for the past 250 years.
Nor has any Kingmaker made contact with an Architect in that time.