diff --git a/src/game/boe.specials.cpp b/src/game/boe.specials.cpp
index 3cb1d143..89fc6ec1 100644
--- a/src/game/boe.specials.cpp
+++ b/src/game/boe.specials.cpp
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@ std::map<eDamageType,int> boom_gr = {
 	{eDamageType::SPECIAL, 1},
 };
 short store_item_spell_level = 10;
+extern short store_spell_target;
 
 // global values for when processing special encounters
 iLiving* current_pc_picked_in_spec_enc = nullptr;
@@ -1076,6 +1077,11 @@ void use_item(short pc,short item) {
 					case eSpell::ANTIMAGIC: add_string_to_buf("  Your hair stands on end."); break;
 					default: add_string_to_buf("  It casts a spell: " + (*spell).name()); break;
 				}
+				switch((*spell).need_select) {
+					case SELECT_NO: break;
+					case SELECT_ACTIVE: store_spell_target = select_pc(0); break;
+					case SELECT_ANY: store_spell_target = select_pc(1); break;
+				}
 				if(overall_mode == MODE_COMBAT) {
 					bool priest = (*spell).is_priest();
 					switch((*spell).refer) {