diff --git a/code/datums/elements/bane.dm b/code/datums/elements/bane.dm
index 110a755de23..769cf8d361d 100644
--- a/code/datums/elements/bane.dm
+++ b/code/datums/elements/bane.dm
@@ -76,12 +76,13 @@
  * Checks typepaths and the mob's biotype, returning TRUE if correct and FALSE if wrong.
  * Additionally checks if combat mode is required, and if so whether it's enabled or not.
  */
-/datum/element/bane/proc/check_biotype_path(mob/living/bane_applier, atom/target)
+/datum/element/bane/proc/check_biotype_path(atom/bane_applier, atom/target)
 	if(!isliving(target))
 		return FALSE
 	var/mob/living/living_target = target
-	if(bane_applier)
-		if(requires_combat_mode && !bane_applier.combat_mode)
+	if(isliving(bane_applier) && bane_applier)
+		var/mob/living/living_bane_applier = bane_applier
+		if(requires_combat_mode && !living_bane_applier.combat_mode)
 			return FALSE
 	var/is_correct_biotype = living_target.mob_biotypes & mob_biotypes
 	if(mob_biotypes && !(is_correct_biotype))