machination

noun machination

• stratagem — a plan, scheme, or trick for surprising or deceiving an enemy.
• conspiracy — Conspiracy is the secret planning by a group of people to do something illegal.
• ploy — a maneuver or stratagem, as in conversation, to gain the advantage.
• intrigue — to arouse the curiosity or interest of by unusual, new, or otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities; appeal strongly to; captivate: The plan intrigues me, but I wonder if it will work.
• ruse — a city in N Bulgaria, on the Danube.