Gate

The gate is a large passage used to get between zones.

Entering the gate that leads from Zone 1 to Zone 2 grants you the message "WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ZONE BEGINS THE FULL LOOT PVP SECTION OF MINIONS OF ELDEN. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND GEARING UP BEFORE YOU LEAVE."

NPC
There is two unnamed npc's guarding the gate that leads to Zone 2 from Zone 1. Interacting with them gets you the message "Take care, citizen.".