[quote=@Royzooka]
[@Prince of Seraphs] Are the groups set are would they be shuffled when the environment changes around them? I have been wondering for a while now.
[/quote]

This is meant to be more or less open world so there is no requirement for you to stay with your starting group. As for the changing environments the answer to that would be yes and no, it really depends entirely on if you decide to go world surfing before the other group reaches Castle Town.

Though don't worry Gourd Lake has some plot points aimed at it as well.