So I have gotten far enough along in the game that I am thinking of inviting a few friends to play (as the game reminds me 50 times a day to do :)

I really only want to invite them if we are going to be able to play 'together' a bit. My question is if I invite them, when they sign up will the game place their havens  anywhere near my haven? is it random? could it place them really far away?

If there is a chance of it placing them so far away that sharing a resource or reinforcements is going to take a day it doesn't seem worth it.