diff --git a/lava_flan.lua b/lava_flan.lua
index 5926cc7..aa045c8 100644
--- a/lava_flan.lua
+++ b/lava_flan.lua
@@ -116,6 +116,9 @@ local old_handle_node_drops = minetest.handle_node_drops
 
 function minetest.handle_node_drops(pos, drops, digger)
 
+	-- does player exist?
+	if not digger then return end
+
 	-- are we holding Lava Pick?
 	if digger:get_wielded_item():get_name() ~= ("mobs:pick_lava") then
 		return old_handle_node_drops(pos, drops, digger)
diff --git a/sand_monster.lua b/sand_monster.lua
index e3ae0f2..d341db8 100644
--- a/sand_monster.lua
+++ b/sand_monster.lua
@@ -3,7 +3,8 @@ local S = mobs.intllib
 
 
 -- custom particle effects
-local effect = function(pos, amount, texture, min_size, max_size, radius, gravity, glow)
+local effect = function(
+		pos, amount, texture, min_size, max_size, radius, gravity, glow)
 
 	radius = radius or 2
 	min_size = min_size or 0.5