The Shadowking of Hell

The Shadowking of Hell is a rumored entity who is believed to secretly control (most) all of hell. The Shadowking is not the Supreme Archdevil, but is believed to have funded all of the Supreme Archdevil's for at least the past 1000 years.
The Shadowking is the name for an individual anonymous donor who makes large contributions to Supreme Archdevil campaigns. Candidates who recieve large donations from the Shadowking always win their election, but whether its due to excessive funding or the Shadowking's influence is unknown. Following the elction of the new Supreme Archdevil, the Shadowking continues to lobby for various policies which are implemented by the Supreme Archdevil. The massive influence of the Shadowking on Hell's elections has lead to record highs in voter apathy among devils.

Historical Basis

The earliest rumors about the Shadowking originate between 900 - 1000 years ago, and was based off of a pattern among four consecutive Supreme Archdevil Elects: all elects recieved large anonymous donations, won their respective elections, and would create similar policies after they were elected (even if those policies drastically differed from their stated intentions and goals during their campaigns). However because all donations and lobbying were anonymous, the identity of the Shadowking remains unknown.

Variations & Mutation

Some believe that the Shadowking is secretly funding all of the major political candidates of Hell so that they always have control over the winner.

In Art

The Shadowking has become a popular trope for characters in stories. The portrayal of the Shadowking varies, but is universally understood to have massive political power.