Not sure if this is intended, but if it is, its pretty troublesome for any new players choosing to move to Epic.
I created a new Character to go spy check out Roccandil's deed. He was going to show me around so I could see what he had made. So I made a new character, showed up in the Independence starter deed, and took the portal to Serenity.
Upon arriving on Serenity, I tried to enter Strongbox and was immediately attacked by the spirit templars. Obviously I ran out, and was then chased around by the Tower Guards. Eventually Roccandil showed up and converted me and all was well. He did notice before converting me that I was "Freedom Isles".
I can't imagine what a new player would go through if they tried to come to Epic under those conditions. I don't think this is intended, but if it is, it should be looked into.