In the beginning of the game, you get to choose to either join a representative of the Imperials or the Stormcloaks. A part of the intro (tutorial?) then splits into fighting alongside that representative against the other side to get back to freedom.

Is there any practical difference which side to choose right there in the beginning? Or even later? I know the Stormcloaks work a lot more with magic, specifically Destruction magic, than the Imperials. Does that mean you get a different choice of starter spells, or different traders in the beginning?

Thanks for replies!

No. It doesn't change anything like that.

Nope who you flee with changes the tutorial (making you fight either Imperials or Stormcloaks) and the choice thus allows you to pick a side to an extent but its a non binding choice that you can reverse without consequences later. It doesnt affect starting equipment, spells or anything of the sort, just the prologue and your introduction in Riverwood.

Choosing who you follow in the tutorial doesn't even determine which group you side with... You make that choice later, from what I can tell.

Yeah, the turorial works as an easy stepping stone into one faction or another.

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated! And nice to hear that you don't have to make the choice right away too.

good! i chose stormcloak because i do not like them accusing me and putting me on the chopping block!

They didn't even clean it, first. There was still blood lying there.

Completely unhygienic.

Yes, you must choose, and you must choose now: Stormcloaks or death!