[galraen]

Chukka will only join after you've returned from the Black Mountain clan, then and then only, not before, and not later in my experience. As SW Carter stated in his excellent walkthrough there's another requirement, but like him I don't know what it is. It could have something to do with your charisma and persuasion, but I think there's something besides that, race maybe, or perhaps you dialogue choices with Mr Bates. Sorry for being so vague, I have had him join me, but couldn't figure out what the key was, like you I was putting together an Ogre party, and I was fortunate enough to succeed, but I don't know why. I had been a goody two shoes all the way through, except for appropriating the Jewel of Hebe, so you don't ahve to be snow white.

The key could simply be having the necessary charisma/persuasion when you irst meet Mr Bates, even though you can't actually recruit Chukka then. Certainly having the requirements (whatever they are) at any time after going to Ashbury after the Black Mountain clan won't be of any use, because you will have missed your window of opportunity. At least that's been mt experience.