There is a players guide on the potco site. I haven't looked at it in a while, not sure if it's totaly updated, but it does go over the basics of game play.
http://piratesonline.go.com/v3/index...roduction.html
As far as helping out random pirates, I'm always willing to help, but not babysit. In fact I randomly ran into a guild members kid yesterday...kind of funny. Sat there healing her for a bit when she suddenly said "Hey, my mom and her friends are in your guild!" Never know who you're going to meet
