diff --git a/code/game/gamemodes/cult/runes.dm b/code/game/gamemodes/cult/runes.dm
index 6290123585..14d0673a1a 100644
--- a/code/game/gamemodes/cult/runes.dm
+++ b/code/game/gamemodes/cult/runes.dm
@@ -152,12 +152,15 @@ var/list/sacrificed = list()
 							target << "<span class='cult'>Your mind turns to ash as the burning flames engulf your very soul and images of an unspeakable horror begin to bombard the last remnants of mental resistance.</span>"
 							//broken mind - 5000 may seem like a lot I wanted the effect to really stand out for maxiumum losing-your-mind-spooky
 							//hallucination is reduced when the step off as well, provided they haven't hit the last stage...
-							target.hallucination += 5000
+
+							//5000 is waaaay too much, in practice.
+							target.hallucination = min(target.hallucination + 100, 500)
 							target.apply_effect(10, STUTTER)
 							target.adjustBrainLoss(1)
 						if(100 to INFINITY)
 							target << "<span class='cult'>Your entire broken soul and being is engulfed in corruption and flames as your mind shatters away into nothing.</span>"
-							target.hallucination += 5000
+							//5000 is waaaay too much, in practice.
+							target.hallucination = min(target.hallucination + 100, 500)
 							target.apply_effect(15, STUTTER)
 							target.adjustBrainLoss(1)