so, i realized, everytime i have had a character that took part in the Civil War, i always escaped from Helgen with the person that represented that faction (if i was going to join the legion for example, i'd escape with Hadvar, if the stormcloaks then Ralof)..


are there any consequences for joining the opposite side of who you escaped with? any extra dialogue from the person you escaped with while meeting them on the battlefield or anything similar?

If you escape with one and join the opposite, you will not see the other, at least that is what happened to me as far as I can remember.

Something that I miss If I do the conference or the civil war is I'll miss the guards that had there unique armour and stuff

Nope, you can switch sides up to the Jagged Crown. Assuming you even bother with the Civil War...

I think the only real difference is whether you become friends with the blacksmith or the owner of the mill.