This is a guide written by a player who has both a high level druid and a high level cleric. I had written this quite some time ago, and in the last few weeks there was a post on the official EverQuest message board that put it into very good words. Since the community took so well to this post, I thought that I would revise and submit mine. Most of the tips presented here follow closely with what was posted. And a few were simply good ideas and should be included here.

Here are some tips on getting a druid/wizard to port you, or a cleric to res you.

1. Look for someone who isn't busy. See what zone they are in. It's common sense that a level 50 druid in West Commons is probably less busy than a level 50 druid in Lower Guk. It is simply rude to ask someone in a full group in a dungeon zone to leave his or her group and help you out.

2. Use proper english. Like mentioned in the post, a "Yo man can you port me plz?" isn't very effective. I thought that using role play was a great idea. For example, "Hello fair traveller, it seems that luck was no on my side this day, I was wondering if you could spare the time and mana to aid in my troubles." That's much better, don't ya think? Also it is very good to ask if the person can "spare the time and mana" because that shows that the player isn't selfish and understands the burden that it puts on the person that you are requesting services from. It generally makes them feel more obliged to help you out, trust me.

3. Never just offer money. Unless you are desperate and have the funding to offer 1000pp for a res, 300pp for a port. Sure it happens sometimes and I'm sure most of the people wouldn't have a problem with, "Hey, I'll give ya 300pp for a port to Sro, whatcha think?" But... 10pp for a port? 50pp for a res? That alone is simply not worth it. Plus the person you're asking doesn't want to just be bought off with little money. They value the skills the Gods bestowed upon them, and you 10pp just won't make them jump on it. They want a person who is appreciative, polite, and patient. Most people who offer money figure, "I'm giving you money, lets go right now." And on the other hand the more successful people will be patient and wait for the Cleric to finish banking, buying food/water/gems, whatever they may need to do before they are ready to port. Sure, it's no problem to give the person helping you platinum, gems, FS maybe, anything you may want to give. But never just offer that and that alone right off. Don't agree on something before, if you want to add it in the end it would be appreciated and accepted kindly.

4. Do not be anonymous. The first thing I do (and many other people) when they get asked for a port/res is do a /who all. First and foremost they want to know what zone you are in. If you're hanging out in South Karana, and someone in Everfrost asks for a res, I doubt its going to happen. Second they want to know what level you are. No offense to players with younger characters, but a person is going to be more willing to help a level 53 with a ressurection than a lvl 17. It's simply because experiance loss in earlier levels is not nearly as signifigant as loosing experience in higher levels. And lastly, and most unimportantly, they may want to know your class. Personally, I really like Monks, if you're a Monk and ask me for something, your chances are higher. It probably doesn't mean much in the end, but it may to some people like myself. But the 2 main factors are Location and Level.

5. No means No. Sure, my druid may be sitting at Kelethin's Bank, not auctioning, seemingly doing nothing. Yet I refuse to port anyone because I claim I'm busy. Who says there isn't a good discussion going on in the Guild channel? Who say's I'm not catching up with an old friend in tells? Who says I'm not practicing a few skills like sense heading, forage and fletching all at the same time? Just because someone doesn't look busy doesn't mean that they aren't. And if they tell you No then they probably have good reason. Be polite about it and say "Thanks anyway, good travels." and your chances of getting a port either at a later time, or in the future increase.

6. This goes for a lot more than just getting ports and resses as common sense would deduct. Always be an honorable, kind player. If you're in a Guild, don't be in one that is known as a trouble Guild on the server (*cough*guilty parties of rodcet nife*cough*losers). Don't be annoying in /shout, /ooc. And the like. I could go on forever about this but I feel that you players know what I mean.

7. After you have gotten your port/res, try to replace the casters mana in any way possible. Any spell that sleeps a breeze through the mind, a foreign surge of mana, or modulation rods. Anything that you can do. These things take a lot of mana. 300 mana for a port, 700 mana for a full ressurection and a heal afterwards. So especially with clerics.

8. Be informed on what you are requesting. Know where the closest place to port is to your final destination. Know the difference between Revive, Resuscitate, and Ressurection. Know that the cloest port to Rathe Mountains is Feerrott for druids. Be educated on this and it will be more to the point and you will have more of a chance.

9. More common sense. Thanks the person heartily. Only a few times have I ever helped someone and they didn't thank me well. I found it insulting and rude. It will almost eliminate the chances of that person ever helping you again. I also know that I complain to the Guild when someone does that and your name may get remembered. It's simple, it's quick, so just do it. There is one minor execption I can see, very rarely I will be in such a hurry, and the person takes a while to zone, that I leave before the person gets a chance to thank me. Usually a simple thank you is sent in /tell but please realize that it isn't rudeness, it's just being in a hurry. But also be simple about your thank you. I usually don't like getting into some giant conversation with someone after I help them out. Unless the person is some outgoing social person a simple thank you and be on your way is usually the best way to go about it.

10. Let's say the person helping you is around your level, and you're headed over to Dreadlands to have a small drachnid group. Offer the person, just to see if they want to. Personally I love it when I port someone to South Ro and they ask me if I would like to join the FG group waiting for them in Lower Guk. As long as there isn't previous plans the offer will usually be accepted.

I think that that about covers it. If anyone would like to add to this I invite them to. I hope you find this guide informative and helpful, and I'm sure all of us porters and clerics out there will find this nice. Again, I would like to thank the person who posted this (a high level cleric I believe) on the Everquest message boards. You inspired me to finish my guide of this and did an excellent job yourself.
 
 

-- Tyler of Rodcet Nife. Character names withheld.

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Thanks to: Arcane Union and the wonderful players of Rodcet Nife.