diff --git a/src/game/boe.combat.cpp b/src/game/boe.combat.cpp
index bdd829e7..d6676f71 100644
--- a/src/game/boe.combat.cpp
+++ b/src/game/boe.combat.cpp
@@ -4761,6 +4761,11 @@ bool combat_cast_mage_spell() {
 		}
 		
 		if(spell_num == eSpell::SIMULACRUM) {
+			if(!has_trapped_monst()){
+				add_string_to_buf("Simulacrum: You need to cast Capture\n");
+				add_string_to_buf("  Soul on a creature first.");
+				return false;
+			}
 			store_sum_monst = pick_trapped_monst();
 			if(store_sum_monst == 0)
 				return false;
diff --git a/src/game/boe.party.cpp b/src/game/boe.party.cpp
index 073eb432..00ef92de 100644
--- a/src/game/boe.party.cpp
+++ b/src/game/boe.party.cpp
@@ -2278,6 +2278,13 @@ bool pick_pc_name(short pc_num,cDialog* parent) {
 	return 1;
 }
 
+bool has_trapped_monst() {
+	for(mon_num_t which : univ.party.imprisoned_monst) {
+		if(which != 0) return true;
+	}
+	return false;
+}
+
 mon_num_t pick_trapped_monst() {
 	short i = 0;
 	std::string sp;
diff --git a/src/game/boe.party.hpp b/src/game/boe.party.hpp
index 7d787a51..47772f68 100644
--- a/src/game/boe.party.hpp
+++ b/src/game/boe.party.hpp
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ void do_alchemy();
 eAlchemy alch_choice(short pc_num);
 bool pick_pc_graphic(short pc_num,short mode,cDialog* parent_num);
 bool pick_pc_name(short pc_num,cDialog* parent)  ;
+bool has_trapped_monst();
 mon_num_t pick_trapped_monst();
 bool flying() ;
 void hit_party(short how_much,eDamageType damage_type,short snd_type = 0);