How does attacking other players near guards get handled?

[Arclyte]

So when I got into EQ, Kunark was a few months old and my young nerdling self was on a blue server. I remember being forced to duel away from guards, because they'd kill anyone who was attacking another player.

I just rolled a dwarf cleric on the beta, and after giving some decaying skeletons the hard dick I somersaulted my way to gfay for some CB action. When I got there some good looking wench with a large axe decided she didn't like my face and started attacking me, but I summoned the courage to run away and gate.

So, when do guards get involved? Would they have attacked me if I hit her with my Club*? Does faction have anything to do with it?