Can I undo a Questline?

[Neil Young]

I'm Playing on PC, I'm very new to Skyrim (but I already love this game), and in the heat of my excitement, I've made some decisions I kind of regret. The biggest mistake is I joined the Imperials over the Stormcloaks. I would really like to undo this quest line if possible, is there to do this via command?

Long story short, I just have come to grow more attached to the storyline surrounding the Stormcloaks. I didn't think it through initially, I figured because I was coming off of Oblivion, the Imperials seemed like a good choice. But because I'm a Nord, and the more I learn and interact with the Thalmor, I'm slowly growing to regret my decision to join the Imperials.

Also, reloading an old save is kind of a MAJOR set back for me. I've done a lot of fun/productive things between now and my past decision to join the Imperials.

This is my first playthrough so I would be extremely grateful for any help/assistance. Thank you!

For Free Skyrim!

[Eru]

I think you *can* reset the questline, but I storngly recommend it, the Civil War questline is particularly susceptible to being screwed over by this sort of thing. It will likely just become unstable and corrupt your save or, more likely, render the questline incompletable for either side.

As for the moral dilemma of either side, it's interesting to read about everyone's opinions on the matter. Some say that the Imperials are the only hope for a truly free Tamriel and, by extension, Skyrim, for various reasons, and that the Stormcloaks simply upset the power balance too much.
People also say that the Imperials are too corrupt, ro the Thalmor too influential. Many different views here.

[PsychoBunny]

The safest way is to go back to a save before joining the Imperials. I always keep backups of important points in my story in case I need to go back. Yeah I may have to go back and redo a lot of stuff but it beats going all the way back to the cart ride in the beginning. :)

[Crowkeeper]

Originally posted by Rich-C.:

I'm Playing on PC, I'm very new to Skyrim (but I already love this game), and in the heat of my excitement, I've made some decisions I kind of regret. The biggest mistake is I joined the Imperials over the Stormcloaks. I would really like to undo this quest line if possible, is there to do this via command?

Long story short, I just have come to grow more attached to the storyline surrounding the Stormcloaks. I didn't think it through initially, I figured because I was coming off of Oblivion, the Imperials seemed like a good choice. But because I'm a Nord, and the more I learn and interact with the Thalmor, I'm slowly growing to regret my decision to join the Imperials.

Also, reloading an old save is kind of a MAJOR set back for me. I've done a lot of fun/productive things between now and my past decision to join the Imperials.

This is my first playthrough so I would be extremely grateful for any help/assistance. Thank you!

For Free Skyrim!

I hope you know, from a lore perspective, that if the Stormcloaks managed to win the Thalmor would have nothing stopping them from invading. The Nords of Skyrim would stand less than a zero percent chance of stopping them. A Stormcloak victory would also mean a Thalmor victory as the empire is the only thing stopping them right now.

[Raga]

I made Imperial character and I never regret supporting Stormcloaks.
Skyrim is a land of Nords. I did not like that Imperials know what is better for an average Nord.

[Crowkeeper]

Originally posted by Raga:

I made Imperial character and I never regret supporting Stormcloaks.
Skyrim is a land of Nords. I did not like that Imperials know what is better for an average Nord.

If this were real life I would be telling you to enjoy the Thalmor boot that will be up your ass soon.

[Emmental]

If you're character is a goody join the imperials, if your character is a baddy and or stupid join the stormcloaks.

[Raga]

Originally posted by Nitrotrinadium:

Originally posted by Raga:

I made Imperial character and I never regret supporting Stormcloaks.
Skyrim is a land of Nords. I did not like that Imperials know what is better for an average Nord.

If this were real life I would be telling you to enjoy the Thalmor boot that will be up your ass soon.

Tell this to everyone whose "gradfathers" died in figthing for the independence (in real life).

[Crowkeeper]

Originally posted by Raga:

Originally posted by Nitrotrinadium:

If this were real life I would be telling you to enjoy the Thalmor boot that will be up your ass soon.

Tell this to everyone whose "gradfathers" died in figthing for the independence (in real life).

Not applicable

[Ilja]

Guys. Civil War is very buggy and Skyrim bakes script data to save files. Do not try to reset any quests. If you want to see the other side of the war, then either load an earlier save, or make another character for it.

I have read Bethesda's official background guide about the Civil War and their characters. This is why I almost always go with the Empire, though some players have taken a different stand from the same guide.

However, this is an RPG. I have also created Stormcloak characters and had all the possible fun while playing with them. My first such character was very different from my usual stealth/archer/mage builds: Nord female 2-handed warrior, who cut her way through Imperial forces. She was my first female character in Skyrim and also a very fun to play.

In the end, game is about building a fun character that you like to play with. Orienting yourself to go with the Empire or Stormcloaks in different characters - or just ignoring the whole Civil War - is something that I can fully recommended.

The bickering above about Thalmor is pointless anyway:

Dragonborn's decision between Empire and Stormcloaks does not affect Delhine at all. She already has dossiers and can prove Thalmor hand in Skyrim Civil War. There is no reason why she would not present them to either Titus or his successor, as a proof that Thalmor have broken the White-Gold Concordant and how Elenwen tortured kidnapped Ulfric to break his mind.

- If Stormcloaks win the Civil War, then Gjalmar confirms that Ulfric plans to lead a direct attack against Summerset Isles.

- If the Empire wins the Civil War, then Tullius (who never agreed to White-Gold Concordant in the first place) hints that Empire is ready to move against Thalmor, now that it is unified.

It seems obvious that Empire and Nords - either separated or unified - will go to war against Dominon, side by side.

[Raga]

Nitrotrinadium
Why are so sure about defeat of Nords? Redguards did it on their own.

Epilogue: Hammerfell Fights On Alone
Hammerfell, however, refused to accept the White-Gold Concordat, being unwilling to concede defeat and the loss of so much of their territory. Titus II was forced to officially renounce Hammerfell as an Imperial province in order to preserve the hard-won peace treaty. The Redguards, understandably, looked on this as a betrayal. In this, the Thalmor certainly achieved one of their long-term goals by sowing lasting bitterness between Hammerfell and the Empire.
In the end, the heroic Redguards fought the Aldmeri Dominion to a standstill, although the war lasted for five more years and left southern Hammerfell devastated. The Redguards say that this proves that the White-Gold Concordat was unnecessary, and that if Titus II had kept his nerve, the Aldmeri could have been truly defeated by the combined forces of Hammerfell and the rest of the Empire. The truth of that assertion can, of course, never be known. But the Redguards should not forget the great sacrifice of Imperial blood - Breton, Nord, and Cyrodilic - at the Battle of the Red Ring that weakened the Dominion enough to allow the eventual Second Treaty of Stros M'kai in 4E 180 and the withdrawal of Aldmeri forces from Hammerfell.
There can be no doubt that the current peace cannot last forever. The Thalmor take the long view, as is proved by the sequence of events leading up to the Great War. All those who value freedom over tyranny can only hope that before it is too late, Hammerfell and the Empire will be reconciled and stand united against the Thalmor threat. Otherwise, any hope to stem the tide of Thalmor rule over all of Tamriel is dimmed.

And some comment: (not mine)
Qyestion: Why does everyone act like the Redguards won a great mighty victory over the Thalmor? Seems like they just barely survived...
Answer: It's been a while since I read anything on this so I'm opearting on memory to be honest, but I'm fairly sure there's two sides to the story, the Thalmor did inflict a lot of suffering especially on cities and economically etc, but militarily they were made into a complete joke by the redguards, they used insurgent strategies and small scale knowledge of the terrain to wreak absolute havoc with much smaller forces anytime the Thalmor ventured out from their camps, the lesson taken was that the Thalmor very well might take and hold cities in Hammerfell, but that's it, they simply don't have the tools to tackle the type of war the redguards are willing and able to fight.

Another comment: (also not mine)
You should take some time to re-examine the lore. First and foremost, the Thalmor were completely at full strength when they attacked Hammerfell, because they attacked them at the same time that they attacked Cyrodiil. So your claim that they weren't at full strength is not factual or at the very least inaccurate. Secondly, and as you know, Hammerfell defeated the Thalmor "after" the Great War, which is when the White Gold Concordat was signed by Titus Meade. It was already in a war torn state before they were "once again" attacked by the Thalmor for not accepting the demands made on them in the WGC. Ultimately, they were renounced and abandoned by Cyrodiil and thus had to fight the Thalmor alone. So, if anyone was not at full strength, it was the Reguards of Hammerfell. This is why their victory is so impressive and served as the justification for why they were/are angry at "the Empire" for selling them out and capitulating to the Thalmor.
You embellish the story at the end with your view of how Hammerfell must be, but there's really no justification for or against your opinion. The bottom line is that Hammerfell fought off an incursion without the help or support of the Empire they were once a part of. Even more to the point, "the Empire" never truly defeated Hammerfell. It occupied Hammerfell for a time, but there was a rebellion and a hero named "Cyrus" was the catalyst behind compelling Tiber Septim to accept Hammerfell as a member state, but ultimately left to its own devices (ie: traditions and government). In this sense, Hammerfell was never truly the Empire's to negotiate with. Of course we can't know if this thinking played a role in Hammerfell's resistance, but based on lore, it probably isn't hard to imagine.

I would guess that Thalmor would think twice before they repeat the same with he Nords.
I also think that the Redguards would return the favor to Nords and help them then such time would come.

[Crowkeeper]

Originally posted by Raga:

Nitrotrinadium
Why are so sure about defeat of Nords? Redguards did it on their own.

Epilogue: Hammerfell Fights On Alone
Hammerfell, however, refused to accept the White-Gold Concordat, being unwilling to concede defeat and the loss of so much of their territory. Titus II was forced to officially renounce Hammerfell as an Imperial province in order to preserve the hard-won peace treaty. The Redguards, understandably, looked on this as a betrayal. In this, the Thalmor certainly achieved one of their long-term goals by sowing lasting bitterness between Hammerfell and the Empire.
In the end, the heroic Redguards fought the Aldmeri Dominion to a standstill, although the war lasted for five more years and left southern Hammerfell devastated. The Redguards say that this proves that the White-Gold Concordat was unnecessary, and that if Titus II had kept his nerve, the Aldmeri could have been truly defeated by the combined forces of Hammerfell and the rest of the Empire. The truth of that assertion can, of course, never be known. But the Redguards should not forget the great sacrifice of Imperial blood - Breton, Nord, and Cyrodilic - at the Battle of the Red Ring that weakened the Dominion enough to allow the eventual Second Treaty of Stros M'kai in 4E 180 and the withdrawal of Aldmeri forces from Hammerfell.
There can be no doubt that the current peace cannot last forever. The Thalmor take the long view, as is proved by the sequence of events leading up to the Great War. All those who value freedom over tyranny can only hope that before it is too late, Hammerfell and the Empire will be reconciled and stand united against the Thalmor threat. Otherwise, any hope to stem the tide of Thalmor rule over all of Tamriel is dimmed.

And some comment: (not mine)
Qyestion: Why does everyone act like the Redguards won a great mighty victory over the Thalmor? Seems like they just barely survived...
Answer: It's been a while since I read anything on this so I'm opearting on memory to be honest, but I'm fairly sure there's two sides to the story, the Thalmor did inflict a lot of suffering especially on cities and economically etc, but militarily they were made into a complete joke by the redguards, they used insurgent strategies and small scale knowledge of the terrain to wreak absolute havoc with much smaller forces anytime the Thalmor ventured out from their camps, the lesson taken was that the Thalmor very well might take and hold cities in Hammerfell, but that's it, they simply don't have the tools to tackle the type of war the redguards are willing and able to fight.

Another comment: (also not mine)
You should take some time to re-examine the lore. First and foremost, the Thalmor were completely at full strength when they attacked Hammerfell, because they attacked them at the same time that they attacked Cyrodiil. So your claim that they weren't at full strength is not factual or at the very least inaccurate. Secondly, and as you know, Hammerfell defeated the Thalmor "after" the Great War, which is when the White Gold Concordat was signed by Titus Meade. It was already in a war torn state before they were "once again" attacked by the Thalmor for not accepting the demands made on them in the WGC. Ultimately, they were renounced and abandoned by Cyrodiil and thus had to fight the Thalmor alone. So, if anyone was not at full strength, it was the Reguards of Hammerfell. This is why their victory is so impressive and served as the justification for why they were/are angry at "the Empire" for selling them out and capitulating to the Thalmor.
You embellish the story at the end with your view of how Hammerfell must be, but there's really no justification for or against your opinion. The bottom line is that Hammerfell fought off an incursion without the help or support of the Empire they were once a part of. Even more to the point, "the Empire" never truly defeated Hammerfell. It occupied Hammerfell for a time, but there was a rebellion and a hero named "Cyrus" was the catalyst behind compelling Tiber Septim to accept Hammerfell as a member state, but ultimately left to its own devices (ie: traditions and government). In this sense, Hammerfell was never truly the Empire's to negotiate with. Of course we can't know if this thinking played a role in Hammerfell's resistance, but based on lore, it probably isn't hard to imagine.

I would guess that Thalmor would think twice before they repeat the same with he Nords.
I also think that the Redguards would return the favor to Nords and help them then such time would come.

At the beginning of the war they had more than a few Imperial legions helping them in Hammerfell and by the end the Thalmor were severaly weakened in enemy territory, an enemy desert to be exact.

The Nords would lose, end of story. Ulfric only wants power, not freedom for his people. He killed a kid for ♥♥♥♥ sake.

[Ilja]

Originally posted by Nitrotrinadium:

At the beginning of the war they had more than a few Imperial legions helping them in Hammerfell and by the end the Thalmor were severaly weakened in enemy territory, an enemy desert to be exact.

The Nords would lose, end of story. Ulfric only wants power, not freedom for his people. He killed a kid for ♥♥♥♥ sake.

If you mean Torygg, then he was hardly a kid. He was between 20-30 of age and had ruled Skyrim for some time.

What does hint that Ulfric cares more about the power and legends is that Torygg openly worshipped Talos, kept Thalmor Inquisition out of Skyrim and managed still to keep up very good relationship with the Empire. Titus never tried to force Torygg to act otherwise.

He had a lot of promise, but he also admired Uflric and might have even joined to his cause. Jarl of Windhelm killed him despite of that.

[Raga]

Originally posted by Nitrotrinadium:

At the beginning of the war they had more than a few Imperial legions helping them in Hammerfell and by the end the Thalmor were severaly weakened in enemy territory, an enemy desert to be exact.

The Nords would lose, end of story. Ulfric only wants power, not freedom for his people. He killed a kid for ♥♥♥♥ sake.

There was no need for him to lie to Galmar... that is why I support Stormcloaks:

Galmar: "Balgruuf won't give us a straight answer."
Ulfric: "He's a true Nord. He'll come around."
Galmar: "Don't be so sure of that. We've intercepted couriers from Solitude. The Empire's putting a great deal of pressure on Whiterun."
Ulfric: "And what would you have me do?"
Galmar: "If he's not with us, he's against us."
Ulfric: "He knows that. They all know that."
Galmar: "How long are you going to wait?"
Ulfric: "You think I need to send Balgruuf a stronger message."
Galmar: "If by message you mean shoving a sword through his gullet."
Ulfric: "Taking his city and leaving him in disgrace would make a more powerful statement, don't you think?"
Galmar: "So we're ready to start this war in earnest then?"
Ulfric: "Soon."
Galmar: "I still say you should take them all out like you did Deadking Torygg."
Ulfric: "Torygg was merely a message to the other Jarls. Whoever we replace them with will need the support of our armies."
Galmar: "We're ready when you are."
Ulfric: "Things hinge on Whiterun. If we can take the city without bloodshed all the better. But if not..."
Galmar: "The people are behind you."
Ulfric: "Many I fear still need convincing."
Galmar: "Then let them die with their false kings."
Ulfric: "We've been soldiers a long time. We know the price of freedom. The people are still weighing things in their hearts."
Galmar: "What's left of Skyrim to wager?"
Ulfric: "They have families to think of."
Galmar: "How many of their sons and daughters follow your banner? We are their families."
Ulfric: "Well put, friend. Tell me, Galmar, why do you fight for me?"
Galmar: "I'd follow you into the depths of Oblivion, you know that."
Ulfric: "Yes, but why do you fight? If not for me, what then?"
Galmar: "I'll die before elves dictate the fates of men. Are we not one in this?"
Ulfric: "I fight for the men I've held in my arms, dying on foreign soil. I fight for their wives and children, who's [sic] names I heard whispered in their last breaths. I fight for we few who did come home, only to find our country full of strangers wearing familiar faces. I fight for my people impoverished to pay the debts of an Empire too weak to rule them, yet brands them criminals for wanting to rule themselves! I fight so that all the fighting I've already done hasn't been for nothing. I fight... because I must."
Galmar: "Your words give voice to what we all feel, Ulfric. And that's why you will be High King. But the day words are enough, will be the day when soldiers like us are no longer needed."
Ulfric: "I would gladly retire from the world were such a day to dawn."
Galmar: "Aye. But in the meantime, we have a war to plan."

[Neil Young]

Thank you for your input everyone. I think I will end up making a second Character and just play through the game a second time, but as a stormcloak. I'm liking this game so much, I really wouldn't mind a second play through with a different build.

[Ilja]

Originally posted by Rich-C.:

Thank you for your input everyone. I think I will end up making a second Character and just play through the game a second time, but as a stormcloak. I'm liking this game so much, I really wouldn't mind a second play through with a different build.

Just two playthroughs?
Is that optimism or pessimism?

You will be likely to make more than that. Skyrim is like that. It draws you in, especially, when you start to mod it.

Anyway, welcome to game and forums.