Campaign, consequences of a balanced path

[Sandermatt]

If I go with the Evolvers in the first choice and for winterhom side with the faithkeepers, how bad is the inconsistency in the path I choose? What are the bad consequences for the future?

[Ridesdragons]

chapter 5 is determined by the path you took in chapter 4. chapter 2 is irrelevant. that said, siding with a given faction on chapter 2 or 4 gives a large, permanent buff to how they view you. taking a balanced path would, at the very least, ensure that the side that kicks off chapter 5 will be relatively easy to deal with. should make getting the "good" ending a lot easier (though you can get the good ending regardless of whether you flip-flopped or not). that's about it. your choices will be reflected in the post-ending cutscene (you know, the standard "you did X Y and Z, was it really necessary?" spiel like in the first game), but otherwise, there's no real consequences of flip-flopping beyond how much the 2 factions like you.