diff --git a/std/npc/combat.c b/std/npc/combat.c
index 6a99e1f..f9945f3 100644
--- a/std/npc/combat.c
+++ b/std/npc/combat.c
@@ -140,9 +140,7 @@
   int total_rates;
   closure cl;
 
-  if (rate<0 || damage<=0 || !stringp(TextForEnemy) ||
-      !stringp(TextForOthers))
-     return 0;
+  if(rate<=0 || damage<0) return 0;
 
   if (stringp(dam_type))
      dam_type = ({dam_type});