UO Second Age

Just some questions on how thieving works:

1.A couple of times this weekend a thief turned gray to me while standing next to me. I didn’t have anything in my pack other than a spellbook and some newbie pants. In other words, I don’t *think* anything was stolen (could be wrong), but what caused them to turn gray?

2.Secondly, if I then attacked this person, would I turn gray to them? The Wiki states “do not kill someone who flashes blue to you”, but I figured attacking them would turn me gray to them? If I am understanding the Wiki, if they steal from me and I attack them and they overcome my 25 wrestling and kill me, they will get a count. But since I'm not sure they stole from me...? I'm not sure what happened.

Thanks

1.
They could have stolen from someone else around you. They may have been grey to you from stealing from you earlier as well.

2.
If they steal from you, you can attack them and remain blue to them. However, if they stole from someone else and you attack them, you WILL turn grey to them and only them. Stealing is considered an aggressive action, so by stealing from you they opened themself up for a murder count (or guard whacking) should they accidentally hit you. If you attack someone who is grey though, and they did not rob you, they can utilize self defense.

Just remember to never attack anyone who is blue, even if you think they are perma or whatever.