I started the game with the "Gather Companions" option checked- starting in Weeping Town, all of the recruitable companions were crammed into the tavern there.

However, about 20 days later, I returned to Weeping Town to try and recruit one or two more companions.... but they're all gone!

Where are they? Are they now scattered around the world, as if I did not check the "gather companions" box? Or are they bugged out, and gone from the game? Or are they all gathered in some other tavern now?

Anyone else encounter this?