I get the impression that you either have to choose the side of either the Stormcloaks or the Imperials.
My current run is a Nord and I'm going to side with the Stormcloaks (first run no spoilers!) but my next idea is a Dunmer that hates Nords and Imperials and I was curious if it's necessary to choose a side or if there is an option to sabotage both sides?
If not I'll just modify his backstory a bit to have an Imperial guard ease his trauma instead of add to it
Thanks in advance guys!

The Civil war quest is totally optional. You don't have to side with anyone.

TBH, even after finishing the quest, the NPCs still act as if the war is still going on.

Ohhh ok thought so!
So sabotage and/or killing one or both of the leaders is not an option?

I'm hoping that a mod comes out the fleshes out this part of the game a bit more. Neither side really attracts me to them TBH and from what I've seen and heard, their argument either way doesn't seem to get any better.

It's your choice but I'd side with the Imperials every time.


PS... both Imperial and Nords have a shout power with opposite effects.

Well haven't really went that far to be frank, typically just ran everywhere and killed everything, screwed up my perks or wanted to try a different build then start over.