diff --git a/code/modules/admin/topic.dm b/code/modules/admin/topic.dm
index 38fd5422c87..8135d91e7a9 100644
--- a/code/modules/admin/topic.dm
+++ b/code/modules/admin/topic.dm
@@ -2084,7 +2084,7 @@
 		var/punishment = input(owner, "How would you like to smite [M]?", "Its good to be baaaad...", "") as null|anything in ptypes
 		if(!(punishment in ptypes))
 			return
-		var/logmsg = null
+		var/logmsg = "UNSET LOG MESSAGE: [punishment]"
 		switch(punishment)
 			// These smiting types are valid for all living mobs
 			if("Lightning bolt")
@@ -2223,6 +2223,7 @@
 				var/turf/start = locate(starting_turf_x, starting_turf_y, M.z)
 
 				new /obj/effect/immovablerod/smite(start, M)
+				logmsg = "a rod"
 		if(logmsg)
 			log_admin("[key_name(owner)] smited [key_name(M)] with: [logmsg]")
 			message_admins("[key_name_admin(owner)] smited [key_name_admin(M)] with: [logmsg]")