We can also say that our characters sent letters to each other in order to meet somewhere, since I assume the world has a courier system. If magical messages are in use in the setting, those could also be used as an alternative.

If we still want to do the group idea, it can operate off of a similar principle, but for characters closer to particular cities, since getting several people together who have practically scattered across the world is kind of difficult.

Imo it doesn't make as much sense if it's by coincidence for everyone, but having one or two of them so happen to be there still can work. So for the characters who would be difficult to reach through letter, that sort of thing can work.

Also, I'll try to update Alice's relationship with the other members when I get a chance. I just haven't gotten an opportunity for it yet.