The Castaways

English, Cat.

Castaways tend to originate in the areas of the world that are part of the Missing House's Protectorate areas; which means they either come from Western Europe, or from the Pacific Northwest in what used to be the United States, prior to The First Word War. Most of them speak English, although a variety of languages are understandably spoken. Most of them have memories of their lives prior to the Tome Wars, but the years since are mostly gone. Some of them, obviously raised in the Missing House as many of the scions of the old literomantic Houses have been, don't even have that to fall back on.

The Castaways are united by a common sense of loss, but also, gritty determination. Much of their lives are shrouded by whatever fog took the Missing House out of reality, and this is understandably disconcerting. Many of them doubt themselves and their very identities. They either wonder if they had close relatives they no longer remember, or they feel the loss of people they cared about, but can't remember them.  

Dame Flubb remembers giving her life for her House Leader -- or faction leader, I don't want to get into that debate -- when the Missing House fell in Word War 3. Can you imagine, knowing you cared enough for someone, or something, that you gave your life for them, but not being able to remember a single detail about who or why? I admire her tenacity. We're talking about recruiting her into the Owsla, and I'd be glad to have her.

— Queen Sable, the Mother of Bunnies

  Castaways tend to treat each other a lot like war veterans do who have fought together in difficult and grisly battles. They bond in a shared but unspoken understanding. When they do talk about their losses and their struggles, they tend to do so hesitantly, glossing over details; or they do it over a lot of alcohol. Some Survivors actively avoid other Castaways, not wanting any reminders of what they have lost.

Most of the art and architecture that may have been left by the Missing House has also disappeared, which leaves the Castaways even more at sea. What is left appears to be pieces of jewelry, clothing, and personal items. The Castaways treasure these small tokens as touchstones to their lost past, and as signs that they are not crazy and didn't imagine their House's existence.

It is not uncommon for Castaways to wander from House to House, exploring and seeking a new place to belong. Many have volunteered for the literomantic peacekeeping forces that are attempting to maintain order in Western Europe, which is one of two major geographic regions that were evidently part of the Missing House's Protectorate.

The Castaways seem to universally come from The Missing House.