Dimi ibn Yousif found the chaos here almost as bad as where he left, though little blood was being shed. Though many descended into subterfuge, most had their fill of violence in their exodus. Dimi's journey was no different - his group of raiders had been nearly wiped out by a squadron of demonic lancers. The touch of their cruelly barbed spears was enough to incinerate horse and rider, quick enough for the demonic rider to burst through the acrid clouds of smoke. Only the intercession of the remaining gate defenders saved Dimi's life and granted him the time to make the gate. The fight must not have gone well, for no further members of his people came through the gate thereafter.
A week has passed since his arrival, and he has found no signs of his countrymen in Respite. He did find that even in this pit of chaos, wenching and carousing could be had, though it was difficult to find something to pay for the pleasures of the flesh. His horse was having similar difficulties - good fodder or even ground to graze upon was very difficult to find.
He was not entirely unsuccessful - it was mentioned more then once that just prior to his arrival, a massive exodus of nearly thirty thousand left Respite to found their own city, and some people who wore similar clothing had left with them.
Kou'rha's day was very interesting. A hunting party from the outsider's city had come within a few bowshot of the village, and the village council was in an uproar. A bit closer, and the strangers would have come across the north most Stoneflute and surely that would make them look even closer. Now the council would decide on their course of action.
Rajani found the entry fairly painless. After entering the gate at a somewhat undignified run, she perceived little transition as she appeared in front of a heavily armed phalanx of warriors. She felt the touch of powerful magic dance across her somewhat feeble magical defenses, and then felt them delve deeply - as if examining her soul on a vivisectionist's table. A moment and it was over, and the soldiers parted to allow her to pass.
A man wearing ornately painted leather robes walked over to her, bearing a long, equally ornately painted staff.
"Welcome to Respite, and pardon the intrusion - though I believe you understand it's .. necessity. Come, sit with me. I have a few minutes to speak before the gate opens again. Too few have been of your nature my friend."
<ooc - more to come soon. Pariah, Scras and Dozus - Green light on post. Pieh and Drackler - hope to add yours tomorrow. Hrofgar - please send me your details soon please. The Gate is not going to be open that much longer

>
(minor edit, Rajani is female)