I don't even know who is the good guy anymore. If Starnan didn't backstab the western alliance and instead waited a bit longer, I could have presumed he was, but now... And Kaiser is too much a non-underdog for me to root for him. Johan, perhaps, or Dnote?
It's a shame. I like Sidestep, but I think his luck might have run out, with Bohemia surely wanting his land. Unless he suddenly joins the HRE (if he can) and betrays his benefactor, I predict a painful death for his honorable campaing.
Otherwise, Mike last stand in Kilwa was truly commendable and Rageair thriving in South America is good to watch.
So, the power blocks seem firmly established : The Western ______, the Sea Powers, the H RE, Byzantium and the Eastern Powers. And Sweden, Kilwa, Mali. I think I didn't forget anyone. Bratyn is probably scheming in his own place and the "Eastern Powers" might not even be that united, though.