So my thought is... (and pardon to Latooni if this is bad; I'm centering Razi just 'cause she's the head of this expedition!)<br/><br/>Razi flees from her situation at home via boat. Ends up on some port-of-call island where traders, pirates, and the like stop by and news flows freely. There, she makes friends, probably with Yamyra and maybe with Viola (or at least, pleasant acquaintances.) Upon learning of the new continent she starts looking out for like-minded people for an expedition. Varien for his deep knowledge of strange things; Yuki to add some "muscle," etc. Each of whom she thinks might be of good service for her "court"<br/><br/>So each of us would need some sort of relationship / tie with Razi, even if just 'She offered good money for me to hit things with pointy things... Say I wonder where that money is coming from"<br/><br/>Maybe our little group is in big debt to a lender who expects a return on their investments?