Some Random Motives For Earthshakers To Join the Rebels (For Radix anyway)

I spent enough time thinking these up that I might as well share it with ya lot :D

So quick background, I'm doing my second playthrough partially with rebels, and figured I'd think up motives for Radix signing up his guild. It has been too long since I recruited them last, but I remember finding it a bit convoluted and forced... but it was merely my second playthrough, surely it was better than I gave it credit. I'm sure more can be conjectured, especially since my memories of all the dialogue involving the Earthshaker recruitment are hazy.

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In no particular order, except that ones necessitating a coalition loyal to Kyros are last:

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- In general, the Earthshakers find themselves in a pretty awful situation. Their Archon was deemed seditious and is practically dead, and they are now distrusted by pretty much everybody, including the Disfavored.

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- While Radix is an Iron Guard, the position was thrust upon him and he may not have as much influence. Doesn't help he refused the order to come to Vendrien's Well.

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- Graven Ashe is their patron. Graven Ashe is also suspect of treachery, and has most certainly violated Kyros' peace. The Earthshakers were suspect enough already.

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- Surely you aren't the only one to think of the possibility that Kyros actually intended for the Edict of Execution to kill everyone. The Edict of Execution being weighed against Kyros' forces was a shock, and Radix is far less likely to just absorb it through the Legion's power of "But Graven Ashe is amazing tho".

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- Cairn wasn't much inclined to teach them, and now he never would. Cairn only served Kyros for some 28 years, which limits things.

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- Now I can't remember the dialogue about there being significant amounts of Tiersmen in the Earthshakers, but that doesn't help with the Disfavored.

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- The civil war takes it's toll. The Scarlet Chorus and the beastmen cause attrition. I faintly remember it being noted that there aren't many (if any) reinforcements coming to the Tiers from the North. Now joining the Coalition could make this one far worse, but they would likely have far more influence over their own movements

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- In a rebel playtrough, the civil war is at the very best a stalemate for the Disfavored. The Unbroken are keeping Disfavored occupied in the Blade Grave, and may even be winning (to some extent) thanks to the Fatebinder. Rebel Fatebinder will have slain the Iron Marshal, and I think Maric, the commander of the Oathbound needs to be rescued on a Disfavored playtrough. If the Fatebinder convinced the Forge-Bound to join, the delivery of iron may be disrupted. Radix may be motivated the abandon a losing side.

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- The Ritual of Culling is a bit severe. I can't remember if it is cast when you recruit the Earthshakers, or if they modify the ritual. Something about gaining power?

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- Following the Fatebinder could lead to greatness. The Fatebinder has the unprecedented ability to activate Spires, one of which is right next to Cairn (now why did Cairn go there? Something which could one day be answered with the help of the Fatebinder). The Fatebinder has cast and broken several Edicts, and when the Edict of Stone breaks, it homes in on the Fatebinder even if she/he wasn't the one to cast it. The Edicts are the will of Kyros, and joining up may once again help prove the Earthshaker's loyalty. The Fatebinder is also quite capable in combat, and may have slaughtered many of the interfering beastmen, which is nice I guess.

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- Sirin being with the Fatebinder helps legitimize the Fatebinder.

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May require your coalition to be loyal to Kyros:

- Joining the Fatebinder's coalition will severe ties to the Disfavored, who may or may not get judged treasonous. Some shielding from the actions of the Disfavored, especially for fighting against them.

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-The Coalition is allowed to exist under the Court's mercy. Especially if the Fatebinder is loyal to Tunon, joining up may help improve Tunon's (unmentioned) stance on the Earthshakers. Joining up may also help sanction the very existence of the now-archonless guild.

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- If the Fatebinder is vocal about being loyal to Kyros, joining up may alleviate suspicion of sedition.

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- There aren't that many benefits to staying with the Disfavored under current circumstances. If the rebellion is truly rebellious, however...

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