diff --git a/.luacheckrc b/.luacheckrc
index 5ed2386..99f4685 100644
--- a/.luacheckrc
+++ b/.luacheckrc
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ read_globals = {
 	"PseudoRandom",
 	"stairs",
 	"stairsplus",
+	"string.split",
 	table = { fields = { "copy", "getn" } },
 	"vector",
 	"VoxelArea",
diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 6f493a9..8f704e4 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -19,6 +19,13 @@
 
 ]]--
 
+-- Set DEBUG_FLAGS to determine the behavior of nether.debug():
+--   0 = off
+--   1 = print(...)
+--   2 = minetest.chat_send_all(...)
+--   4 = minetest.log("info", ...)
+local DEBUG_FLAGS = 0
+
 local S
 if minetest.get_translator ~= nil then
 	S = minetest.get_translator("nether")
@@ -58,11 +65,53 @@ nether.NETHER_REALM_ENABLED       = minetest.settings:get_bool("nether_realm_ena
 nether.DEPTH_CEILING              = tonumber(minetest.settings:get("nether_depth_ymax") or nether.DEPTH_CEILING)
 nether.DEPTH_FLOOR                = tonumber(minetest.settings:get("nether_depth_ymin") or nether.DEPTH_FLOOR)
 
-if nether.DEPTH_FLOOR + 1000 > nether.DEPTH_CEILING then 
+if nether.DEPTH_FLOOR + 1000 > nether.DEPTH_CEILING then
 	error("The lower limit of the Nether must be set at least 1000 lower than the upper limit, and more than 3000 is recommended. Set settingtypes.txt, or 'All Settings' -> 'Mods' -> 'nether' -> 'Nether depth'", 0)
 end
 nether.DEPTH = nether.DEPTH_CEILING -- Deprecated, use nether.DEPTH_CEILING instead.
 
+
+-- A debug-print function that understands vectors etc. and does not
+-- evaluate when debugging is turned off.
+-- Works like string.format(), treating the message as a format string.
+-- nils, tables, and vectors passed as arguments to nether.debug() are
+-- converted to strings and can be included inside the message with %s
+function nether.debug(message, ...)
+
+	local args = {...}
+	local argCount = select("#", ...)
+
+	for i = 1, argCount do
+		local arg = args[i]
+		if arg == nil then
+			-- convert nils to strings
+			args[i] = '<nil>'
+		elseif type(arg) == "table" then
+			local tableCount = 0
+			for _,_ in pairs(arg) do tableCount = tableCount + 1 end
+			if tableCount == 3 and arg.x ~= nil and arg.y ~= nil and arg.z ~= nil then
+				-- convert vectors to strings
+				args[i] = minetest.pos_to_string(arg)
+			else
+				-- convert tables to strings
+				-- (calling function can use dump() if a multi-line listing is desired)
+				args[i] = string.gsub(dump(arg, ""), "\n", " ")
+			end
+		end
+	end
+
+	local composed_message = string.format(message, unpack(args))
+
+	if math.floor(DEBUG_FLAGS / 1) % 2 == 1 then print(composed_message) end
+	if math.floor(DEBUG_FLAGS / 2) % 2 == 1 then minetest.chat_send_all(composed_message) end
+	if math.floor(DEBUG_FLAGS / 4) % 2 == 1 then minetest.log("info", composed_message) end
+end
+if DEBUG_FLAGS == 0 then
+	-- do as little evaluation as possible
+	nether.debug = function() end
+end
+
+
 -- Load files
 dofile(nether.path .. "/portal_api.lua")
 dofile(nether.path .. "/nodes.lua")
@@ -101,7 +150,7 @@ The expedition parties have found no diamonds or gold, and after an experienced
 			return pos.y < nether.DEPTH_CEILING
 		end,
 
-		find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos)
+		find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos, player_name)
 			-- divide x and z by a factor of 8 to implement Nether fast-travel
 			local destination_pos = vector.divide(surface_anchorPos, nether.FASTTRAVEL_FACTOR)
 			destination_pos.x = math.floor(0.5 + destination_pos.x) -- round to int
@@ -116,12 +165,12 @@ The expedition parties have found no diamonds or gold, and after an experienced
 				return existing_portal_location, existing_portal_orientation
 			else
 				local start_y = nether.DEPTH_CEILING - math.random(500, 1500) -- Search starting altitude
-				destination_pos.y = nether.find_nether_ground_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, start_y)
+				destination_pos.y = nether.find_nether_ground_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, start_y, player_name)
 				return destination_pos
 			end
 		end,
 
-		find_surface_anchorPos = function(realm_anchorPos)
+		find_surface_anchorPos = function(realm_anchorPos, player_name)
 			-- A portal definition doesn't normally need to provide a find_surface_anchorPos() function,
 			-- since find_surface_target_y() will be used by default, but Nether portals also scale position
 			-- to create fast-travel.
@@ -140,7 +189,7 @@ The expedition parties have found no diamonds or gold, and after an experienced
 			if existing_portal_location ~= nil then
 				return existing_portal_location, existing_portal_orientation
 			else
-				destination_pos.y = nether.find_surface_target_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, "nether_portal")
+				destination_pos.y = nether.find_surface_target_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, "nether_portal", player_name)
 				return destination_pos
 			end
 		end,
diff --git a/mapgen.lua b/mapgen.lua
index c340e14..ecadcf8 100644
--- a/mapgen.lua
+++ b/mapgen.lua
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ override_underground_biomes()
 
 -- nether:native_mapgen is used to prevent ores and decorations being generated according
 -- to landforms created by the native mapgen.
--- Ores and decorations are registered against "nether:rack" instead, and the lua
+-- Ores and decorations can be registered against "nether:rack" instead, and the lua
 -- on_generate() callback will carve the Nether with nether:rack before invoking
 -- generate_decorations and generate_ores.
 minetest.register_node("nether:native_mapgen", {})
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ minetest.register_ore({
 	ore_type       = "scatter",
 	ore            = "default:lava_source",
 	wherein        = "nether:rack",
-	clust_scarcity = 32 * 32 * 32,
+	clust_scarcity = 36 * 36 * 36,
 	clust_num_ores = 4,
 	clust_size     = 2,
 	y_max = NETHER_CEILING,
@@ -465,10 +465,15 @@ end
 
 
 -- use knowledge of the nether mapgen algorithm to return a suitable ground level for placing a portal.
-function nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, start_y)
+-- player_name is optional, allowing a player to spawn a remote portal in their own protected areas.
+function nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, start_y, player_name)
 	local nobj_cave_point = minetest.get_perlin(np_cave)
 	local air = 0 -- Consecutive air nodes found
 
+	local minp_schem, maxp_schem = nether.get_schematic_volume({x = target_x, y = 0, z = target_z}, nil, "nether_portal")
+	local minp = {x = minp_schem.x, y = 0, z = minp_schem.z}
+	local maxp = {x = maxp_schem.x, y = 0, z = maxp_schem.z}
+
 	for y = start_y, math_max(NETHER_FLOOR + BLEND, start_y - 4096), -1 do
 		local nval_cave = nobj_cave_point:get3d({x = target_x, y = y, z = target_z})
 
@@ -476,13 +481,14 @@ function nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, start_y)
 			air = air + 1
 		else -- Not cavern, check if 4 nodes of space above
 			if air >= 4 then
+				local portal_y = y + 1
 				-- Check volume for non-natural nodes
-				local minp = {x = target_x - 1, y = y    , z = target_z - 2}
-				local maxp = {x = target_x + 2, y = y + 4, z = target_z + 2}
-				if nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp) then
-					return y + 1
+				minp.y = minp_schem.y + portal_y
+				maxp.y = maxp_schem.y + portal_y
+				if nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected(minp, maxp, player_name) then
+					return portal_y
 				else -- Restart search a little lower
-					nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, y - 16)
+					nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, y - 16, player_name)
 				end
 			else -- Not enough space, reset air to zero
 				air = 0
diff --git a/mapgen_decorations.lua b/mapgen_decorations.lua
index b210db8..5b7d7e3 100644
--- a/mapgen_decorations.lua
+++ b/mapgen_decorations.lua
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ minetest.register_decoration({
     deco_type = "schematic",
     place_on = "nether:rack",
     sidelen = 80,
-    fill_ratio = 0.0004,
+    fill_ratio = 0.0003,
     biomes = {"nether_caverns"},
     y_max = nether.DEPTH_CEILING, -- keep compatibility with mapgen_nobiomes.lua
     y_min = nether.DEPTH_FLOOR,
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ minetest.register_decoration({
     deco_type = "schematic",
     place_on = "nether:rack",
     sidelen = 80,
-    fill_ratio = 0.0007,
+    fill_ratio = 0.0008,
     biomes = {"nether_caverns"},
     y_max = nether.DEPTH_CEILING, -- keep compatibility with mapgen_nobiomes.lua
     y_min = nether.DEPTH_FLOOR,
diff --git a/mapgen_nobiomes.lua b/mapgen_nobiomes.lua
index 2d1093c..103537d 100644
--- a/mapgen_nobiomes.lua
+++ b/mapgen_nobiomes.lua
@@ -201,24 +201,30 @@ end)
 
 
 -- use knowledge of the nether mapgen algorithm to return a suitable ground level for placing a portal.
-function nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, start_y)
+-- player_name is optional, allowing a player to spawn a remote portal in their own protected areas.
+function nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, start_y, player_name)
 	local nobj_cave_point = minetest.get_perlin(np_cave)
 	local air = 0 -- Consecutive air nodes found
 
-	for y = start_y, start_y - 4096, -1 do
+	local minp_schem, maxp_schem = nether.get_schematic_volume({x = target_x, y = 0, z = target_z}, nil, "nether_portal")
+	local minp = {x = minp_schem.x, y = 0, z = minp_schem.z}
+	local maxp = {x = maxp_schem.x, y = 0, z = maxp_schem.z}
+
+	for y = start_y, math.max(NETHER_FLOOR + BLEND, start_y - 4096), -1 do
 		local nval_cave = nobj_cave_point:get3d({x = target_x, y = y, z = target_z})
 
 		if nval_cave > TCAVE then -- Cavern
 			air = air + 1
 		else -- Not cavern, check if 4 nodes of space above
 			if air >= 4 then
+				local portal_y = y + 1
 				-- Check volume for non-natural nodes
-				local minp = {x = target_x - 1, y = y    , z = target_z - 2}
-				local maxp = {x = target_x + 2, y = y + 4, z = target_z + 2}
-				if nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp) then
-					return y + 1
+				minp.y = minp_schem.y + portal_y
+				maxp.y = maxp_schem.y + portal_y
+				if nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected(minp, maxp, player_name) then
+					return portal_y
 				else -- Restart search a little lower
-					nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, y - 16)
+					nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, y - 16, player_name)
 				end
 			else -- Not enough space, reset air to zero
 				air = 0
@@ -226,5 +232,5 @@ function nether.find_nether_ground_y(target_x, target_z, start_y)
 		end
 	end
 
-	return start_y -- Fallback
-end
\ No newline at end of file
+	return math.max(start_y, NETHER_FLOOR + BLEND) -- Fallback
+end
diff --git a/portal_api.lua b/portal_api.lua
index 20862fe..4f28c7f 100644
--- a/portal_api.lua
+++ b/portal_api.lua
@@ -23,8 +23,9 @@
 
 ]]--
 
-local DEBUG = false
-local DEBUG_IGNORE_MODSTORAGE = false -- setting true prevents portals from knowing where other portals are, forcing find_realm_anchorpos() etc. to be executed every time
+-- setting DEBUG_IGNORE_MODSTORAGE true prevents portals from knowing where other
+-- portals are, forcing find_realm_anchorpos() etc. to be executed every time.
+local DEBUG_IGNORE_MODSTORAGE = false
 
 nether.registered_portals = {}
 nether.registered_portals_count = 0
@@ -662,8 +663,9 @@ nether.PortalShape_Platform = {
 -- Portal implementation functions --
 -- =============================== --
 
+local S      = nether.get_translator
+local debugf = nether.debug
 local ignition_item_name
-local S = nether.get_translator
 local mod_storage = minetest.get_mod_storage()
 local meseconsAvailable = minetest.get_modpath("mesecon") ~= nil and minetest.global_exists("mesecon")
 local book_added_as_treasure = false
@@ -821,7 +823,7 @@ end
 local function store_portal_location_info(portal_name, anchorPos, orientation, ignited)
 	if not DEBUG_IGNORE_MODSTORAGE then
 		local key = minetest.pos_to_string(anchorPos) .. " is " .. portal_name
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Adding/updating portal in mod_storage: " .. key) end
+		debugf("Adding/updating portal in mod_storage: " .. key)
 		mod_storage:set_string(
 			key,
 			minetest.serialize({orientation = orientation, active = ignited})
@@ -834,7 +836,7 @@ end
 local function remove_portal_location_info(portal_name, anchorPos)
 	if not DEBUG_IGNORE_MODSTORAGE then
 		local key = minetest.pos_to_string(anchorPos) .. " is " .. portal_name
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Removing portal from mod_storage: " .. key) end
+		debugf("Removing portal from mod_storage: " .. key)
 		mod_storage:set_string(key, "")
 	end
 end
@@ -872,7 +874,7 @@ local function list_closest_portals(portal_definition, anchorPos, distance_limit
 						local distance = math.hypot(y * y_factor, math.hypot(x, z))
 						if distance <= distance_limit or distance_limit < 0 then
 							local info = minetest.deserialize(value) or {}
-							if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("found " .. found_name .. " listed at distance " .. distance ..  " (within " .. distance_limit .. ") from dest " .. minetest.pos_to_string(anchorPos) .. ", found: " .. minetest.pos_to_string(found_anchorPos) .. " orientation " .. info.orientation) end
+							debugf("found %s listed at distance %.2f (within %.2f) from dest %s, found: %s orientation %s", found_name, distance, distance_limit, anchorPos, found_anchorPos, info.orientation)
 							info.anchorPos = found_anchorPos
 							info.distance  = distance
 							result[distance] = info
@@ -924,14 +926,14 @@ end
 function extinguish_portal(pos, node_name, frame_was_destroyed)
 
 	-- mesecons seems to invoke action_off() 6 times every time you place a block?
-	if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("extinguish_portal" .. minetest.pos_to_string(pos) .. " " .. node_name) end
+	debugf("extinguish_portal %s %s", pos, node_name)
 
 	local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
 	local p1 = minetest.string_to_pos(meta:get_string("p1"))
 	local p2 = minetest.string_to_pos(meta:get_string("p2"))
 	local target = minetest.string_to_pos(meta:get_string("target"))
 	if p1 == nil or p2 == nil then
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("    no active portal found to extinguish") end
+		debugf("    no active portal found to extinguish")
 		return false
 	end
 
@@ -983,7 +985,7 @@ function extinguish_portal(pos, node_name, frame_was_destroyed)
 	end
 
 	if target ~= nil then
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("    attempting to also extinguish target with wormholePos " .. minetest.pos_to_string(target)) end
+		debugf("    attempting to also extinguish target with wormholePos %s", target)
 		extinguish_portal(target, node_name)
 	end
 
@@ -1000,7 +1002,8 @@ end
 -- Note: will extinguish any portal using the same nodes that are being set
 local function set_portal_metadata(portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation, destination_wormholePos, ignite)
 
-	if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("set_portal_metadata(ignite=" .. tostring(ignite) .. ") at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(anchorPos) .. " orient " .. orientation .. ", setting to target " .. minetest.pos_to_string(destination_wormholePos)) end
+	ignite = ignite or false;
+	debugf("set_portal_metadata(ignite=%s) at %s orient %s, setting to target %s", ignite, anchorPos, orientation, destination_wormholePos)
 
 	-- Portal position is stored in metadata as p1 and p2 to keep maps compatible with earlier versions of this mod.
 	-- p1 is the bottom/west/south corner of the portal, and p2 is the opposite corner, together
@@ -1028,7 +1031,7 @@ local function set_portal_metadata(portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation, de
 			if existing_p1 ~= "" then
 				local existing_p2 = meta:get_string("p2")
 				if existing_p1 ~= p1_string or existing_p2 ~= p2_string then
-					if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("set_portal_metadata() found existing metadata from another portal: existing_p1 " .. existing_p1 .. ", existing_p2" .. existing_p2 .. ", p1 " .. p1_string .. ", p2 " .. p2_string .. ", will existinguish existing portal...") end
+					debugf("set_portal_metadata() found existing metadata from another portal: existing_p1 %s, existing_p2 %s, p1 %s, p2 %s, will extinguish existing portal...", existing_p1, existing_p2, p1_string, p2_string)
 					-- this node is already part of another portal, so extinguish that, because nodes only
 					-- contain a link in the metadata to one portal, and being part of two allows a slew of bugs
 					extinguish_portal(pos, node_name, false)
@@ -1092,7 +1095,7 @@ local function is_portal_at_anchorPos(portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation,
 				-- area isn't loaded, force loading/emerge of check area
 				minetest.get_voxel_manip():read_from_map(check_pos, check_pos)
 				foundName = minetest.get_node(check_pos).name
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Forced loading of 'ignore' node at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(check_pos) .. ", got " .. foundName) end
+				debugf("Forced loading of 'ignore' node at %s, got %s", check_pos, foundName)
 
 				if foundName ~= frame_node_name then
 					nodes_are_valid = false
@@ -1202,7 +1205,7 @@ local function build_portal(portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation, destinati
 		function(pos) minetest.swap_node(pos, wormholeNode) end
 	)
 
-	if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Placed " .. portal_definition.name .. " portal schematic at " ..  minetest.pos_to_string(portal_definition.shape.get_schematicPos_from_anchorPos(anchorPos, orientation)) .. ", orientation " .. orientation) end
+	debugf("Placed %s portal schematic at %s, orientation %s", portal_definition.name, portal_definition.shape.get_schematicPos_from_anchorPos(anchorPos, orientation), orientation)
 
 	set_portal_metadata(portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation, destination_wormholePos)
 
@@ -1216,7 +1219,7 @@ end
 -- Make portals immortal for ~20 seconds after creation
 local function remote_portal_checkup(elapsed, portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation, destination_wormholePos)
 
-	if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("portal checkup at " .. elapsed .. " seconds") end
+	debugf("portal checkup at %d seconds", elapsed)
 
 	local wormholePos = portal_definition.shape.get_wormholePos_from_anchorPos(anchorPos, orientation)
 	local wormhole_node = minetest.get_node_or_nil(wormholePos)
@@ -1231,7 +1234,7 @@ local function remote_portal_checkup(elapsed, portal_definition, anchorPos, orie
 		-- ruh roh
 		local message = "Newly created portal at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(anchorPos) .. " was overwritten. Attempting to recreate. Issue spotted after " .. elapsed .. " seconds"
 		minetest.log("warning", message)
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("!!! " .. message) end
+		debugf("!!! " .. message)
 
 		-- A pre-existing portal frame wouldn't have been immediately overwritten, so no need to check for one, just place the portal.
 		build_portal(portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation, destination_wormholePos)
@@ -1259,7 +1262,7 @@ end
 -- specified if an existing portal was already found there.
 local function locate_or_build_portal(portal_definition, suggested_wormholePos, suggested_orientation, destination_wormholePos)
 
-	if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("locate_or_build_portal() called at wormholePos" .. minetest.pos_to_string(suggested_wormholePos) .. " with suggested orient " .. suggested_orientation .. ", targetted to " .. minetest.pos_to_string(destination_wormholePos)) end
+	debugf("locate_or_build_portal() called at wormholePos%s with suggested orient %s, targeted to %s", suggested_wormholePos, suggested_orientation, destination_wormholePos)
 
 	local result_anchorPos;
 	local result_orientation;
@@ -1280,13 +1283,13 @@ local function locate_or_build_portal(portal_definition, suggested_wormholePos,
 			if result_target ~= nil and vector.equals(result_target, destination_wormholePos) then
 				-- It already links back to the portal the player is teleporting from, so don't
 				-- extinguish it or the player's portal will also extinguish.
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("    Build unnecessary: already a lit portal that links back here at " ..  minetest.pos_to_string(found_anchorPos) .. ", orientation " .. result_orientation) end
+				debugf("    Build unnecessary: already a lit portal that links back here at %s, orientation %s", found_anchorPos, result_orientation)
 			else
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("    Build unnecessary: already a lit portal at " ..  minetest.pos_to_string(found_anchorPos) .. ", orientation " .. result_orientation .. ", linking to " .. result_target_str .. ". Extinguishing...") end
+				debugf("    Build unnecessary: already a lit portal at %s, orientation %s, linking to %s. Extinguishing...", found_anchorPos, result_orientation, result_target_str)
 				extinguish_portal(found_anchorPos, portal_definition.frame_node_name, false)
 			end
 		else
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("    Build unnecessary: already an unlit portal at " ..  minetest.pos_to_string(found_anchorPos) .. ", orientation " .. result_orientation) end
+			debugf("    Build unnecessary: already an unlit portal at %s, orientation %s", found_anchorPos, result_orientation)
 		end
 		-- ignite the portal
 		set_portal_metadata_and_ignite(portal_definition, result_anchorPos, result_orientation, destination_wormholePos)
@@ -1303,11 +1306,12 @@ end
 
 
 -- invoked when a player attempts to turn obsidian nodes into an open portal
+-- player_name is optional, allowing a player to spawn a remote portal in their own protected area
 -- ignition_node_name is optional
-local function ignite_portal(ignition_pos, ignition_node_name)
+local function ignite_portal(ignition_pos, player_name, ignition_node_name)
 
 	if ignition_node_name == nil then ignition_node_name = minetest.get_node(ignition_pos).name end
-	if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("IGNITE the " .. ignition_node_name .. " at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(ignition_pos)) end
+	debugf("IGNITE the %s at %s", ignition_node_name, ignition_pos)
 
 	-- find which sort of portals are made from the node that was clicked on
 	local portal_definition_list = list_portal_definitions_for_frame_node(ignition_node_name)
@@ -1318,7 +1322,7 @@ local function ignite_portal(ignition_pos, ignition_node_name)
 		-- check it was a portal frame that the player is trying to ignite
 		local anchorPos, orientation, is_ignited = is_within_portal_frame(portal_definition, ignition_pos)
 		if anchorPos == nil then
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("No " .. portal_definition.name .. " portal frame found at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(ignition_pos)) end
+			debugf("No %s portal frame found at ", portal_definition.name, ignition_pos)
 			continue = true -- no portal is here, but perhaps there's more than one portal type we need to search for
 		elseif is_ignited then
 			-- Found a portal, check its metadata and timer is healthy.
@@ -1330,10 +1334,10 @@ local function ignite_portal(ignition_pos, ignition_node_name)
 					-- metadata is missing, the portal frame node must have been removed without calling
 					-- on_destruct - perhaps by an ABM, then replaced - presumably by a player.
 					-- allowing reigniting will repair the portal
-					if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Broken portal detected, allowing reignition/repair") end
+					debugf("Broken portal detected, allowing reignition/repair")
 					repair = true
 				else
-					if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("This portal links to " .. meta:get_string("target") .. ". p1=" .. meta:get_string("p1") .. " p2=" .. meta:get_string("p2")) end
+					debugf("This portal links to %s. p1=%s p2=%s", meta:get_string("target"), meta:get_string("p1"), meta:get_string("p2"))
 
 					-- Check the portal's timer is running, and fix if it's not.
 					-- A portal's timer can stop running if the game is played without that portal type being
@@ -1341,7 +1345,7 @@ local function ignite_portal(ignition_pos, ignition_node_name)
 					-- (if this is a frequent problem, then change the value of "run_at_every_load" in the lbm)
 					local timer = minetest.get_node_timer(get_timerPos_from_p1_and_p2(minetest.string_to_pos(p1), minetest.string_to_pos(p2)))
 					if timer ~= nil and timer:get_timeout() == 0 then
-						if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Portal timer was not running: restarting the timer.") end
+						debugf("Portal timer was not running: restarting the timer.")
 						timer:start(1)
 					end
 				end
@@ -1350,23 +1354,25 @@ local function ignite_portal(ignition_pos, ignition_node_name)
 		end
 
 		if continue == false then
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Found portal frame. Looked at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(ignition_pos) .. ", found at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(anchorPos) .. " orientation " .. orientation) end
+			debugf("Found portal frame. Looked at %s, found at %s orientation %s", ignition_pos, anchorPos, orientation)
 
 			local destination_anchorPos, destination_orientation
 			if portal_definition.is_within_realm(ignition_pos) then
-				destination_anchorPos, destination_orientation = portal_definition.find_surface_anchorPos(anchorPos)
+				destination_anchorPos, destination_orientation = portal_definition.find_surface_anchorPos(anchorPos, player_name or "")
 			else
-				destination_anchorPos, destination_orientation = portal_definition.find_realm_anchorPos(anchorPos)
+				destination_anchorPos, destination_orientation = portal_definition.find_realm_anchorPos(anchorPos, player_name or "")
+			end
+			if destination_orientation == nil then
+				debugf("No destination_orientation given")
+				destination_orientation = orientation
 			end
-			if DEBUG and destination_orientation == nil then minetest.chat_send_all("No destination_orientation given") end
-			if destination_orientation == nil then destination_orientation = orientation end
 
 			if destination_anchorPos == nil then
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("No portal destination available here!") end
+				debugf("No portal destination available here!")
 				return false
 			else
 				local destination_wormholePos = portal_definition.shape.get_wormholePos_from_anchorPos(destination_anchorPos, destination_orientation)
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Destination set to " .. minetest.pos_to_string(destination_anchorPos)) end
+				debugf("Destination set to %s", destination_anchorPos)
 
 				-- ignition/BURN_BABY_BURN
 				set_portal_metadata_and_ignite(portal_definition, anchorPos, orientation, destination_wormholePos)
@@ -1405,7 +1411,7 @@ local function ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport(playerName, portal_definition,
 	local local_p1, local_p2 = portal_definition.shape:get_p1_and_p2_from_anchorPos(local_anchorPos, local_orientation)
 	local p1_at_playerPos = minetest.string_to_pos(meta:get_string("p1"))
 	if p1_at_playerPos == nil or not vector.equals(local_p1, p1_at_playerPos) then
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("the player already teleported from " .. minetest.pos_to_string(local_anchorPos) .. ", and is now standing in a different portal - " .. meta:get_string("p1")) end
+		debugf("the player already teleported from %s, and is now standing in a different portal - %s", local_anchorPos, meta:get_string("p1"))
 		return -- the player already teleported, and is now standing in a different portal
 	end
 
@@ -1413,7 +1419,7 @@ local function ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport(playerName, portal_definition,
 
 	if dest_wormhole_node == nil then
 		-- area not emerged yet, delay and retry
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport() could not find anything yet at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(destination_wormholePos)) end
+		debugf("ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport() could not find anything yet at %s", destination_wormholePos)
 		minetest.after(1, ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport, playerName, portal_definition, local_anchorPos, local_orientation, destination_wormholePos)
 	else
 		local local_wormholePos = portal_definition.shape.get_wormholePos_from_anchorPos(local_anchorPos, local_orientation)
@@ -1430,9 +1436,9 @@ local function ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport(playerName, portal_definition,
 			local remoteMeta = minetest.get_meta(destination_wormholePos)
 			local remoteTarget = minetest.string_to_pos(remoteMeta:get_string("target"))
 			if remoteTarget == nil then
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Failed to test whether target portal links back to this one") end
+				debugf("Failed to test whether target portal links back to this one")
 			elseif not vector.equals(remoteTarget, local_wormholePos) then
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Target portal is already linked, extinguishing then relighting to point back at this one") end
+				debugf("Target portal is already linked, extinguishing then relighting to point back at this one")
 				extinguish_portal(remoteTarget, portal_definition.frame_node_name, false)
 				set_portal_metadata_and_ignite(
 					portal_definition,
@@ -1442,7 +1448,7 @@ local function ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport(playerName, portal_definition,
 				)
 			end
 
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Teleporting player from wormholePos" .. minetest.pos_to_string(local_wormholePos) .. " to wormholePos" .. minetest.pos_to_string(destination_wormholePos)) end
+			debugf("Teleporting player from wormholePos%s to wormholePos%s", local_wormholePos, destination_wormholePos)
 
 			-- play the teleport sound
 			if portal_definition.sounds.teleport ~= nil then
@@ -1469,7 +1475,7 @@ local function ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport(playerName, portal_definition,
 			--   which will leave a confused player.
 			--   I don't think this is worth preventing, but I document it incase someone describes entering a portal
 			--   and then the portal turning off.
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport() saw " .. dest_wormhole_node.name .. " at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(destination_wormholePos) .. " rather than a wormhole. Calling locate_or_build_portal()") end
+			debugf("ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport() saw %s at %s rather than a wormhole. Calling locate_or_build_portal()", dest_wormhole_node.name, destination_wormholePos)
 
 			local new_dest_anchorPos, new_dest_orientation = locate_or_build_portal(portal_definition, destination_wormholePos, local_orientation, local_wormholePos)
 			local new_dest_wormholePos = portal_definition.shape.get_wormholePos_from_anchorPos(new_dest_anchorPos, new_dest_orientation)
@@ -1486,10 +1492,10 @@ local function ensure_remote_portal_then_teleport(playerName, portal_definition,
 					-- local portal to also be extinguished.
 					local message = "Local portal at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(local_anchorPos) .. " was extinguished while linking to existing portal at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(new_dest_anchorPos)
 					minetest.log("error", message)
-					if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("!ERROR! - " .. message) end
+					debugf("!ERROR! - " .. message)
 				else
 					destination_wormholePos = new_dest_wormholePos
-					if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("    updating target to where remote portal was found - " .. minetest.pos_to_string(destination_wormholePos)) end
+					debugf("    updating target to where remote portal was found - %s", destination_wormholePos)
 
 					set_portal_metadata(
 						portal_definition,
@@ -1824,22 +1830,22 @@ function register_frame_node(frame_node_name)
 	extended_node_def.replaced_by_portalapi.mesecons = extended_node_def.mesecons
 	extended_node_def.mesecons = {effector = {
 		action_on = function (pos, node)
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("portal frame material: mesecons action ON") end
-			ignite_portal(pos, node.name)
+			debugf("portal frame material: mesecons action ON")
+			ignite_portal(pos, nil, node.name)
 		end,
 		action_off = function (pos, node)
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("portal frame material: mesecons action OFF") end
+			debugf("portal frame material: mesecons action OFF")
 			extinguish_portal(pos, node.name, false)
 		end
 	}}
 	extended_node_def.replaced_by_portalapi.on_destruct = extended_node_def.on_destruct
 	extended_node_def.on_destruct = function(pos)
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("portal frame material: destruct") end
+		debugf("portal frame material: destruct")
 		extinguish_portal(pos, frame_node_name, true)
 	end
 	extended_node_def.replaced_by_portalapi.on_blast = extended_node_def.on_blast
 	extended_node_def.on_blast = function(pos, intensity)
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("portal frame material: blast") end
+		debugf("portal frame material: blast")
 		extinguish_portal(pos, frame_node_name, extended_node_def.replaced_by_portalapi.on_blast == nil)
 		if extended_node_def.replaced_by_portalapi.on_blast ~= nil then
 			extended_node_def.replaced_by_portalapi.on_blast(pos, intensity)
@@ -1935,9 +1941,9 @@ minetest.register_lbm({
 			local timer = minetest.get_node_timer(timerPos)
 			if timer ~= nil then
 				timer:start(1)
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("LBM started portal timer " .. minetest.pos_to_string(timerPos)) end
-			elseif DEBUG then
-				minetest.chat_send_all("get_node_timer" .. minetest.pos_to_string(timerPos) .. " returned null")
+				debugf("LBM started portal timer %s", timerPos)
+			else
+				debugf("get_node_timer%s returned null", timerPos)
 			end
 		end
 	end
@@ -2081,7 +2087,7 @@ function nether.register_portal(name, portaldef)
 	end
 
 	if portaldef.find_surface_anchorPos == nil then	-- default to using find_surface_target_y()
-		portaldef.find_surface_anchorPos = function(pos)
+		portaldef.find_surface_anchorPos = function(pos, player_name)
 
 			local destination_pos = {x = pos.x, y = 0, z = pos.z}
 			local existing_portal_location, existing_portal_orientation =
@@ -2089,7 +2095,7 @@ function nether.register_portal(name, portaldef)
 			if existing_portal_location ~= nil then
 				return existing_portal_location, existing_portal_orientation
 			else
-				destination_pos.y = nether.find_surface_target_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, name)
+				destination_pos.y = nether.find_surface_target_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, name, player_name)
 				return destination_pos
 			end
 		end
@@ -2159,7 +2165,7 @@ function nether.register_portal_ignition_item(item_name, ignition_failure_sound)
 			local done = false
 
 			if pt.under and nether.is_frame_node[node.name] then
-				done = ignite_portal(pt.under)
+				done = ignite_portal(pt.under, placer:get_player_name())
 				if done and not minetest.settings:get_bool("creative_mode") then
 					stack:take_item()
 				end
@@ -2180,24 +2186,24 @@ end
 
 -- use this when determining where to spawn a portal, to avoid overwriting player builds
 -- It checks the area for any nodes that aren't ground or trees.
+-- player_name is optional, allowing a player to spawn a remote portal in their own protected areas.
 -- (Water also fails this test, unless it is unemerged)
-function nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp)
+function nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected(minp, maxp, player_name)
+
 	local c_air = minetest.get_content_id("air")
 	local c_ignore = minetest.get_content_id("ignore")
 
 	local vm = minetest.get_voxel_manip()
-	local pos1 = {x = minp.x, y = minp.y, z = minp.z}
-	local pos2 = {x = maxp.x, y = maxp.y, z = maxp.z}
-	local emin, emax = vm:read_from_map(pos1, pos2)
+	local emin, emax = vm:read_from_map(minp, maxp)
 	local area = VoxelArea:new({MinEdge = emin, MaxEdge = emax})
 	local data = vm:get_data()
 
-	for z = pos1.z, pos2.z do
-	for y = pos1.y, pos2.y do
-		local vi = area:index(pos1.x, y, z)
-		for x = pos1.x, pos2.x do
+	for z = minp.z, maxp.z do
+	for y = minp.y, maxp.y do
+		local vi = area:index(minp.x, y, z)
+		for x = minp.x, maxp.x do
 			local id = data[vi] -- Existing node
-			if DEBUG and id == nil then minetest.chat_send_all("nil block at index " .. vi) end
+			if id == nil then debugf("nil block at index " .. vi) end
 			if id ~= c_air and id ~= c_ignore and id ~= nil then -- checked for common natural or not emerged
 				local name = minetest.get_name_from_content_id(id)
 				local nodedef = minetest.registered_nodes[name]
@@ -2205,7 +2211,7 @@ function nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp)
 					-- trees are natural but not "ground content"
 					local node_groups = nodedef.groups
 					if node_groups == nil or (node_groups.tree == nil and node_groups.leaves == nil and node_groups.leafdecay == nil) then
-						if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("volume_is_natural() found unnatural node " .. name) end
+						debugf("volume_is_natural_and_unprotected() found unnatural node %s", name)
 						return false
 					end
 				end
@@ -2215,13 +2221,73 @@ function nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp)
 	end
 	end
 
-	if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Volume is natural") end
+	if minetest.is_area_protected(minp, maxp, player_name or "") then
+		debugf("Volume is protected %s-%s", minp, maxp)
+		return false;
+	end
+
+	debugf("Volume is natural and unprotected for player '%s', %s-%s", player_name, minp, maxp)
 	return true
 end
 
+-- Deprecated, use nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected() instead.
+function nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp)
+
+	if nether.deprecation_warning_volume_is_natural == nil then
+		local stack = debug.traceback("", 2);
+		local calling_func = (string.split(stack, "\n", false, 2, false)[2] or ""):trim()
+		minetest.log("warning",
+			"Deprecated function \"nether.volume_is_natural()\" invoked, use \"nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected()\" instead. " ..
+			calling_func)
+		nether.deprecation_warning_volume_is_natural = true;
+	end
+
+	return nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected(minp, maxp)
+end
+
+-- Gets the volume that may be altered if a portal is placed at the anchor_pos
+-- orientation is optional, but specifying it will reduce the volume returned
+-- portal_name is optional, but specifying it will reduce the volume returned
+-- returns minp, maxp
+function nether.get_schematic_volume(anchor_pos, orientation, portal_name)
+
+	if orientation == nil then
+		-- Return a volume large enough for any orientation
+		local minp0, maxp0 = nether.get_schematic_volume(anchor_pos, 0, portal_name)
+		local minp1, maxp1 = nether.get_schematic_volume(anchor_pos, 1, portal_name)
+
+		-- ToDo: If an asymmetric portal is used with an anchor not at the center of the
+		-- schematic then we will also need to check orientations 3 and 4.
+		-- (The currently existing portal-shapes are not affected)
+		return
+			{x = math.min(minp0.x, minp1.x), y = math.min(minp0.y, minp1.y), z = math.min(minp0.z, minp1.z)},
+			{x = math.max(maxp0.x, maxp1.x), y = math.max(maxp0.y, maxp1.y), z = math.max(maxp0.z, maxp1.z)}
+	end
+
+	-- Assume the largest possible portal shape unless we know it's a smaller one.
+	local shape_defintion = nether.PortalShape_Circular
+	if portal_name ~= nil and nether.registered_portals[portal_name] ~= nil then
+		shape_defintion = nether.registered_portals[portal_name].shape
+	end
+
+	local size = shape_defintion.schematic.size
+	local minp = shape_defintion.get_schematicPos_from_anchorPos(anchor_pos, orientation);
+	local maxp
+
+	if (orientation % 2) == 0 then
+		maxp = {x = minp.x + size.x - 1, y = minp.y + size.y - 1, z = minp.z + size.z - 1}
+	else
+		maxp = {x = minp.x + size.z - 1, y = minp.y + size.y - 1, z = minp.z + size.x - 1}
+	end
+	return minp, maxp
+end
+
+
 -- Can be used when implementing custom find_surface_anchorPos() functions
--- portal_name is optional, providing it allows existing portals on the surface to be reused.
-function nether.find_surface_target_y(target_x, target_z, portal_name)
+-- portal_name is optional, providing it allows existing portals on the surface to be reused, and
+-- a potentially smaller volume to be checked by volume_is_natural_and_unprotected().
+-- player_name is optional, allowing a player to spawn a remote portal in their own protected areas.
+function nether.find_surface_target_y(target_x, target_z, portal_name, player_name)
 
 	assert(target_x ~= nil and target_z ~= nil, "Arguments `target_x` and `target_z` cannot be nil when calling find_surface_target_y()")
 
@@ -2251,18 +2317,22 @@ function nether.find_surface_target_y(target_x, target_z, portal_name)
 		end
 	end
 
+	local minp_schem, maxp_schem = nether.get_schematic_volume({x = target_x, y = 0, z = target_z}, nil, portal_name)
+	local minp = {x = minp_schem.x, y = 0, z = minp_schem.z}
+	local maxp = {x = maxp_schem.x, y = 0, z = maxp_schem.z}
+
 	for y = start_y, start_y - 256, -16 do
 		-- Check volume for non-natural nodes
-		local minp = {x = target_x - 1, y = y - 1, z = target_z - 2}
-		local maxp = {x = target_x + 2, y = y + 3, z = target_z + 2}
-		if nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp) then
+		minp.y = minp_schem.y + y
+		maxp.y = maxp_schem.y + y
+		if nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected(minp, maxp, player_name) then
 			return y
 		elseif portal_name ~= nil and nether.registered_portals[portal_name] ~= nil then
 			-- players have built here - don't grief.
 			-- but reigniting existing portals in portal rooms is fine - desirable even.
 			local anchorPos, orientation, is_ignited = is_within_portal_frame(nether.registered_portals[portal_name], {x = target_x, y = y, z = target_z})
 			if anchorPos ~= nil then
-				if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Volume_is_natural check failed, but a portal frame is here " .. minetest.pos_to_string(anchorPos) .. ", so this is still a good target y level") end
+				debugf("volume_is_natural_and_unprotected check failed, but a portal frame is here %s, so this is still a good target y level", anchorPos)
 				return y
 			end
 		end
@@ -2291,7 +2361,7 @@ function nether.find_nearest_working_portal(portal_name, anchorPos, distance_lim
 
 	for _, dist in ipairs(dist_list) do
 		local portal_info = contenders[dist]
-		if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("checking portal from mod_storage at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(portal_info.anchorPos) .. " orientation " .. portal_info.orientation) end
+		debugf("checking portal from mod_storage at %s orientation %s", portal_info.anchorPos, portal_info.orientation)
 
 		-- the mod_storage list of portals is unreliable - e.g. it won't know if inactive portals have been
 		-- destroyed, so check the portal is still there
@@ -2300,7 +2370,7 @@ function nether.find_nearest_working_portal(portal_name, anchorPos, distance_lim
 		if portalFound then
 			return portal_info.anchorPos, portal_info.orientation
 		else
-			if DEBUG then minetest.chat_send_all("Portal wasn't found, removing portal from mod_storage at " .. minetest.pos_to_string(portal_info.anchorPos) .. " orientation " .. portal_info.orientation) end
+			debugf("Portal wasn't found, removing portal from mod_storage at %s orientation %s", portal_info.anchorPos, portal_info.orientation)
 			-- The portal at that location must have been destroyed
 			remove_portal_location_info(portal_name, portal_info.anchorPos)
 		end
diff --git a/portal_api.txt b/portal_api.txt
index b07e2cb..c5118f1 100644
--- a/portal_api.txt
+++ b/portal_api.txt
@@ -49,17 +49,22 @@ surface.
 Helper functions
 ----------------
 
-* `nether.volume_is_natural(minp, maxp)`: returns a boolean
+* `nether.volume_is_natural_and_unprotected(minp, maxp, player_name)`: returns
+  a boolean.
     * use this when determining where to spawn a portal, to avoid overwriting
       player builds. It checks the area for any nodes that aren't ground or
       trees.
       Water will fail this test, unless it is unemerged.
+    * player_name is optional, providing it allows the player's own protected
+      areas to be treated as unprotected.
 
-* `nether.find_surface_target_y(target_x, target_z, portal_name)`: returns a
-  suitable anchorPos
+* `nether.find_surface_target_y(target_x, target_z, portal_name, player_name)`:
+  returns a suitable anchorPos
     * Can be used when implementing custom find_surface_anchorPos() functions
     * portal_name is optional, providing it allows existing portals on the
       surface to be reused.
+    * player_name is optional, providing it prevents the exclusion of surface
+      target areas which are protected by the player.
 
 * `nether.find_nearest_working_portal(portal_name, anchorPos, distance_limit, y_factor)`: returns
   (anchorPos, orientation), or nil if no portal was found within the
@@ -208,7 +213,7 @@ Used by `nether.register_portal`.
         -- Ideally implementations are fast, as this function can be used to
         -- sift through a list of portals.
 
-        find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos),
+        find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos, player_name),
         -- Required. Return a position in the realm that a portal created at
         -- surface_anchorPos will link to.
         -- Return an anchorPos or (anchorPos, orientation)
@@ -218,8 +223,10 @@ Used by `nether.register_portal`.
         -- orientation, otherwise the existing portal could be overwritten by
         -- a new one with the orientation of the surface portal.
         -- Return nil to prevent the portal from igniting.
+        -- player_name may be "", e.g. if the portal was ignited by a mesecon,
+        -- and is provided for use with volume_is_natural_and_unprotected() etc.
 
-        find_surface_anchorPos = function(realm_anchorPos),
+        find_surface_anchorPos = function(realm_anchorPos, player_name),
         -- Optional. If you don't implement this then a position near the
         -- surface will be picked.
         -- Return an anchorPos or (anchorPos, orientation)
@@ -233,6 +240,8 @@ Used by `nether.register_portal`.
         -- orientation, otherwise the existing portal could be overwritten by
         -- a new one with the orientation of the realm portal.
         -- Return nil to prevent the portal from igniting.
+        -- player_name may be "", e.g. if the portal was ignited by a mesecon,
+        -- and is provided for use with volume_is_natural_and_unprotected() etc.
 
         on_run_wormhole      = function(portalDef, anochorPos, orientation),
         -- invoked once per second per portal
diff --git a/portal_examples.lua b/portal_examples.lua
index 1a33943..ac71848 100644
--- a/portal_examples.lua
+++ b/portal_examples.lua
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ This portal is different to the others, rather than acting akin to a doorway it
 			return pos.y > FLOATLAND_LEVEL - 200
 		end,
 
-		find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos)
+		find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos, player_name)
 			-- TODO: Once paramat finishes adjusting the floatlands, implement a surface algorithm that finds land
 			local destination_pos = {x = surface_anchorPos.x ,y = FLOATLAND_LEVEL + 2, z = surface_anchorPos.z}
 
@@ -131,13 +131,13 @@ Due to such difficulties, we never learned what determines the direction and dis
 			return true
 		end,
 
-		find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos)
+		find_realm_anchorPos = function(surface_anchorPos, player_name)
 			-- This function isn't needed, since this type of portal always goes to the surface
 			minetest.log("error" , "find_realm_anchorPos called for surface portal")
 			return {x=0, y=0, z=0}
 		end,
 
-		find_surface_anchorPos = function(realm_anchorPos)
+		find_surface_anchorPos = function(realm_anchorPos, player_name)
 			-- A portal definition doesn't normally need to provide a find_surface_anchorPos() function,
 			-- since find_surface_target_y() will be used by default, but these portals travel around the
 			-- surface (following a Moore curve) so will be calculating a different x and z to realm_anchorPos.
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ Due to such difficulties, we never learned what determines the direction and dis
 				end
 
 				local destination_pos = {x = target_x + adj_x, y = 0, z = target_z + adj_z}
-				destination_pos.y = nether.find_surface_target_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, "surface_portal")
+				destination_pos.y = nether.find_surface_target_y(destination_pos.x, destination_pos.z, "surface_portal", player_name)
 
 				return destination_pos
 			end