diff --git a/commands/encounter_cmdset.py b/commands/encounter_cmdset.py
index 13d106b..dd11a22 100644
--- a/commands/encounter_cmdset.py
+++ b/commands/encounter_cmdset.py
@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@ from commands.command import Command
 from evennia import create_script
 from evennia import CmdSet
 
+from evennia.utils import inherits_from
+import typeclasses.characters
+
 class EncounterCommand(Command):
     energy_cost = 1
     allow_self_target = False
@@ -185,6 +188,9 @@ 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.")
+            return
         if target == self.caller:
             self.caller.msg("You can't initiate an encounter with yourself!") 
             return