Example of 8 possible factions (idea #1)

I have not seen many 8 layout. I remember that "Lords of magic" had a 8 way layout where order vs Chaos was there. You could take a look at it.

http://www.sierragamers.com/uploads/24082/The_Games/lords_of_magic_unit_...

But by taking a look back at it, it's not that awesome, they mixed up 4 basic elements with 4 new elements.

There is also Warlock master of the arcane or warlock 2 the exile which has a 8 way god system.

http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121102211344/warlockmota/images/7/7...

Check the wiki to know more about what the gods do. They each have a general theme like ( Order, Sun, Death, Moon, Nature, etc)

For my part, I wanted to mod that game and I was thinking in changing the religion system for a government system.

One one axis you would have had the gold focus VS the mana focus government. While on the other axis you would have had the comunity ruled vs the dictator ruled government.