Ah don't feel bad I've downloaded almost every 5.2 database out there and have yet to get one of them to work.
the standard 5.2 db works fine but when I source anything else with npc's it bombs.

5.0 works great tho...

ah now if we can just find that any key.

I think you problem is you need to edit your shortcut to everquest
you know the little icon on your desktop. make it say c:\sony\everquest.exe -patchme.

but reading the FAQ you would already know that hmmm..
now for my morning dose of prozac.