diff --git a/commands/encounter_cmdset.py b/commands/encounter_cmdset.py
index dd11a22..7a94a12 100644
--- a/commands/encounter_cmdset.py
+++ b/commands/encounter_cmdset.py
@@ -188,8 +188,8 @@ class CmdEngage(Command):
         target = self.caller.search(self.args)
         if not target:
             return
-        if not inherits_from(target, typeclasses.characters.Character):
-            self.caller.msg(target.db.engage_err_msg or "You can't initiate an encounter with that.")
+        if not inherits_from(target, typeclasses.characters.Character) or not target.access(self.caller, 'engage'):
+            self.caller.msg(target.db.engage_err_msg or f"You can't initiate an encounter with {target.name}.")
             return
         if target == self.caller:
             self.caller.msg("You can't initiate an encounter with yourself!")