Both servers are somewhat confusing. Here's what it comes down to:
Note: You cannot attack or be attacked by members of your own faction, ever. It doesn't matter what server you play on, you just can't do it.
On a normal server you can never become flagged (PvP enabled) unless you do one of a handful of things
-Attack a guard
-Heal or otherwise cast a buff on a guard
-Heal a friend who is flagged
-Attack an enemy who is flagged
-Type /pvp
Basically, all of these are useless unless you are in a raid encounter. This setup is actually quite lame, and it's unnerving to see a Tauren in the Human starting lands and not be able to attack him. Even if you decide you want to attack, you can't attack players unless they themselves are flagged for combat. So, for instance, you see the Tauren in Goldshire and so you flag yourself for combat (because the enemy is in your lands). Guess what? You still can't attack him.
Note: you can always attack guards, and they will always attack you.
On a PvP server it's even more confusing. There are three types of zones: green, yellow, and red. Green is safe, and you can't be attacked unless you just want to. Most countries you'll adventure in under level 20 are 'green'. However, if the Horde enters your green country, they automatically become flagged and are open to be attacked upon. Red zones are basically the same, just...opposite (they are the Horde's safe and green zones). If you enter a red zone, it means you cannot attack the Horde, but they are open to attack you. Once they attack, then you can defend yourself, but not until then. Contested zones are when everyone is flagged for combat. Most mid to high level zones are contested. However, just because you're in a contested zone doesn't mean there are going to be a group of 15 horde players waiting to attack you...
For example, the Horde has no business in Redridge, which is a contested zone. They have no quests there, and basically have no reason to enter here. Please understand, in this area Redridge is really no more dangerous on the PvP server than it is on the Normal.
However, both factions have quests to do in Stranglethorn Vale, and you will always see the Horde running about. Please understand: just because you see the Horde doesn't mean you have to attack them, nor them you. If you want to you can, and if they want to they can; but it's certainly not a must. It's not like everyone is just waiting around wanting to kill each other; because over all characters of each faction ultimately want to get their quests done - they just choose to do it on a more lifelike server as far as the story goes. Another thing to consider: our guild is real big on grouping. Even if we do encounter a Horde character who wants to fight, unless they're just an insanely high level we can either easily avoid them, or we can kill them.
edit: In the end the PvP server is actually quite fun to play on, which is ultimately why we chose it. Some people get the impression that PvP implies that you can be attacked where-ever you are, no matter what; but in WoW that's simply not the case.
Note: You cannot attack or be attacked by members of your own faction, ever. It doesn't matter what server you play on, you just can't do it.
On a normal server you can never become flagged (PvP enabled) unless you do one of a handful of things
-Attack a guard
-Heal or otherwise cast a buff on a guard
-Heal a friend who is flagged
-Attack an enemy who is flagged
-Type /pvp
Basically, all of these are useless unless you are in a raid encounter. This setup is actually quite lame, and it's unnerving to see a Tauren in the Human starting lands and not be able to attack him. Even if you decide you want to attack, you can't attack players unless they themselves are flagged for combat. So, for instance, you see the Tauren in Goldshire and so you flag yourself for combat (because the enemy is in your lands). Guess what? You still can't attack him.
Note: you can always attack guards, and they will always attack you.
On a PvP server it's even more confusing. There are three types of zones: green, yellow, and red. Green is safe, and you can't be attacked unless you just want to. Most countries you'll adventure in under level 20 are 'green'. However, if the Horde enters your green country, they automatically become flagged and are open to be attacked upon. Red zones are basically the same, just...opposite (they are the Horde's safe and green zones). If you enter a red zone, it means you cannot attack the Horde, but they are open to attack you. Once they attack, then you can defend yourself, but not until then. Contested zones are when everyone is flagged for combat. Most mid to high level zones are contested. However, just because you're in a contested zone doesn't mean there are going to be a group of 15 horde players waiting to attack you...
For example, the Horde has no business in Redridge, which is a contested zone. They have no quests there, and basically have no reason to enter here. Please understand, in this area Redridge is really no more dangerous on the PvP server than it is on the Normal.
However, both factions have quests to do in Stranglethorn Vale, and you will always see the Horde running about. Please understand: just because you see the Horde doesn't mean you have to attack them, nor them you. If you want to you can, and if they want to they can; but it's certainly not a must. It's not like everyone is just waiting around wanting to kill each other; because over all characters of each faction ultimately want to get their quests done - they just choose to do it on a more lifelike server as far as the story goes. Another thing to consider: our guild is real big on grouping. Even if we do encounter a Horde character who wants to fight, unless they're just an insanely high level we can either easily avoid them, or we can kill them.
edit: In the end the PvP server is actually quite fun to play on, which is ultimately why we chose it. Some people get the impression that PvP implies that you can be attacked where-ever you are, no matter what; but in WoW that's simply not the case.
