Can someone explain the PvP rules on a PvE server

[Skunkworks]

I’ve been playing WoW on a PvE server for a couple of months now, but I must be missing something when it comes to the conditions for PvP.

I thought for 2 players to engage in PvP, one or both would have to be flagged. I thought this because there have been times when I haven’t been flagged, but have been attacked and killed anyway.

The other day I was in Tarren Mill, minding my own business, when there was some Ali kicking around. I wasn’t flagged for PvP, but some Rogue knifed me in the back and killed me when I wasn’t ready. As they were all several levels lower than me I thought it’s payback time. I summoned my Felguard and went to clean house. I killed 2, but couldn’t attack the 3rd. I thought he must have disabled PvP, so I thought I’ll enable PvP and get the SOB. But when I enabled PvP, I still couldn’t attack him!

It seems if anybody wants a pop at me, they can do any time they like. But if I decide I want to have a go, they can do something to prevent me attacking.

Can a WoW expert explain what’s going on?

I also saw another Horde player the other day who was red and could be attacked. What’s that about?

 

[Skunkworks]

You CANNOT be attacked unless you are pvp enabled, So you must have been for a rogue (alliance I assume) to attack you.

This is what I thought, but it simply doesn't fit with what I've experienced. And I'm now getting some of my friends who I introduced to the game asking me the same question. These are low-level new players who wouldn't even know how to enable PvP, yet they're getting picked off by ?? Alliance in the middle of Durotar! It's really ruining the game for them.

I'm on the Alonsus realm, which I am assured is a PvE, or "Normal" realm.

 

[Skunkworks]

The only ?? i have ever seen in WoW was NPC's whos levels where too high for me to see.

Also the same for opposing factions.

 

[Skunkworks]

Perhaps we can back to the topic?