diff --git a/zone/special_attacks.cpp b/zone/special_attacks.cpp
index fa91fdf73..a5cae5700 100644
--- a/zone/special_attacks.cpp
+++ b/zone/special_attacks.cpp
@@ -94,6 +94,8 @@ int Mob::GetBaseSkillDamage(EQEmu::skills::SkillType skill, Mob *target)
 		}
 		if (inst)
 			ac_bonus = inst->GetItemArmorClass(true) / 25.0f;
+		else
+			return 0; // return 0 in cases where we don't have an item
 		if (ac_bonus > skill_bonus)
 			ac_bonus = skill_bonus;
 		return static_cast<int>(ac_bonus + skill_bonus);