I agree the Ryzom system is unfortunately too often simplified into only two sides, generally Karavan/Matis/Tryker and Kami/Fyros/Zoraï, and I wish there were more shifting allegiances.
Many do this, your "five sides in a circle" idea, with each side allied to it's 2 neighbours and enemy to it's two opposites, isn't just used in Magic the Gathering. I vaguely recall Heroes of Might and Magic having such a system, though I never played it. More relevantly, Fallen Earth has "six sides in a circle", with each side allied to it's 2 neighbours, somewhat hostile to it's 2 diagonal opposites and mortal enemies to their 1 direct opposite.
Many do this, your "five sides in a circle" idea, with each side allied to it's 2 neighbours and enemy to it's two opposites, isn't just used in Magic the Gathering. I vaguely recall Heroes of Might and Magic having such a system, though I never played it. More relevantly, Fallen Earth has "six sides in a circle", with each side allied to it's 2 neighbours, somewhat hostile to it's 2 diagonal opposites and mortal enemies to their 1 direct opposite.