diff --git a/urogue/fight.c b/urogue/fight.c
index 1988218..55b099d 100644
--- a/urogue/fight.c
+++ b/urogue/fight.c
@@ -1143,7 +1143,7 @@ mon_mon_attack(struct thing *attacker, struct linked_list *mon, struct object *w
 
     if (attacker->t_index == attackee->t_index)
     {
-        if (attacker == THINGPTR(fam_ptr) && er_visible)
+        if (fam_ptr && attacker == THINGPTR(fam_ptr) && er_visible)
             msg("Master, I cannot hit one of my brethren.");
         if (!thrown && rnd(100) - attacker->t_stats.s_charisma + luck < 0) 
 		{