I had a similar experience in my first try at 0.982, I was playing a kingdom faction, had met 1 other kingdom and 2x empire races, I was at the top of the power rankings (around 35 or so, other races about 3 or so points lower). Empire races were either friendly or close relations, so I wasn't worried about them.
Then I met empire race 3, who was at power 90 after a good start location/ rushing some heavy warfare units and some good drops. They wardecced me immediately on seeing my explorer, next turn all empire races decced war, saying since their friend was at war with me they were going to join in . . .needless to say that didn't end well for me.
Reminded me a bit of the war cascades in some EU3 games that used to occur. Actually I like the mechanic, might make deciding who to go to war with or save and keep strong an interesting thing . .but right now I think the ##s need to be tweaked a bit to prevent mass wars of annihilation right off the bat. Especially since power rankings near the start can be skewed pretty easily by a good drop or location, and make a war or two common.
