I have yet to decide on allying myself with the Stormcloaks or the Imperials. I don't feel allied to Ulfric, but I do support the cause of rebelling against the prohibition of worshipping Talos. Still, the Imperials haven't impressed me with their "Romanesque" approach to the Germanic, er, Nord peoples. Now there are a couple of other ringers being thrown into the mix: (1) Forsworns' claim on part of Skyrim, to which I am sympathetic, and (2) the orcs history predating the Nords, to which I pay heed. I doubt that I can take a path that allows me to carve out my own story here, but am curious what results people have received when they have opted to simply not ally with either group. (I know that this isn't the central adventure path, but it seems that the stance of the Dragonborn should have ramifications on the civil war.) Similarly so, if I don't ally, how does that play out if and when places get sacked where I am Thane? For instance, in Whiterun.

If you don't take a side, the war will remain in perpetual stalemate. No cities will get sacked.