diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 8a87cf7a80..9fd37ac9f7 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
     Bug #5129: Stuttering animation on Centurion Archer
     Bug #5280: Unskinned shapes in skinned equipment are rendered in the wrong place
     Bug #5371: Keyframe animation tracks are used for any file that begins with an X
+    Bug #5413: Enemies do a battlecry everytime the player summons a creature
     Bug #5714: Touch spells cast using ExplodeSpell don't always explode
     Bug #5849: Paralysis breaks landing
     Bug #5870: Disposing of actors who were selected in the console doesn't deselect them like vanilla
@@ -132,6 +133,7 @@
     Bug #7758: Water walking is not taken into account to compute path cost on the water
     Bug #7761: Rain and ambient loop sounds are mutually exclusive
     Bug #7765: OpenMW-CS: Touch Record option is broken
+    Bug #7769: Sword of the Perithia: Broken NPCs
     Bug #7770: Sword of the Perithia: Script execution failure
     Bug #7780: Non-ASCII texture paths in NIF files don't work
     Bug #7785: OpenMW-CS initialising Skill and Attribute fields to 0 instead of -1 on non-FortifyStat spells
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
index d7e377a0eb..c8e353acc9 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
@@ -110,7 +110,9 @@ namespace MWBase
         virtual bool awarenessCheck(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& observer) = 0;
 
         /// Makes \a ptr fight \a target. Also shouts a combat taunt.
-        virtual void startCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& target) = 0;
+        virtual void startCombat(
+            const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& target, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>* targetAllies)
+            = 0;
 
         /// Removes an actor and its allies from combat with the actor's targets.
         virtual void stopCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) = 0;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
index a4e7168b0f..d463fa729b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
@@ -577,8 +577,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
     }
 
-    void Actors::engageCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor1, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor2,
-        std::map<const MWWorld::Ptr, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>>& cachedAllies, bool againstPlayer) const
+    void Actors::engageCombat(
+        const MWWorld::Ptr& actor1, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor2, SidingCache& cachedAllies, bool againstPlayer) const
     {
         // No combat for totally static creatures
         if (!actor1.getClass().isMobile(actor1))
@@ -606,9 +606,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         // Get actors allied with actor1. Includes those following or escorting actor1, actors following or escorting
         // those actors, (recursive) and any actor currently being followed or escorted by actor1
-        std::set<MWWorld::Ptr> allies1;
-
-        getActorsSidingWith(actor1, allies1, cachedAllies);
+        const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& allies1 = cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(actor1);
 
         const auto mechanicsManager = MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager();
         // If an ally of actor1 has been attacked by actor2 or has attacked actor2, start combat between actor1 and
@@ -620,7 +618,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
             if (creatureStats2.matchesActorId(ally.getClass().getCreatureStats(ally).getHitAttemptActorId()))
             {
-                mechanicsManager->startCombat(actor1, actor2);
+                mechanicsManager->startCombat(actor1, actor2, &cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(actor2));
                 // Also set the same hit attempt actor. Otherwise, if fighting the player, they may stop combat
                 // if the player gets out of reach, while the ally would continue combat with the player
                 creatureStats1.setHitAttemptActorId(ally.getClass().getCreatureStats(ally).getHitAttemptActorId());
@@ -633,9 +631,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 aggressive = true;
         }
 
-        std::set<MWWorld::Ptr> playerAllies;
         MWWorld::Ptr player = MWMechanics::getPlayer();
-        getActorsSidingWith(player, playerAllies, cachedAllies);
+        const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& playerAllies = cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(player);
 
         bool isPlayerFollowerOrEscorter = playerAllies.find(actor1) != playerAllies.end();
 
@@ -646,20 +643,17 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             // Check that actor2 is in combat with actor1
             if (creatureStats2.getAiSequence().isInCombat(actor1))
             {
-                std::set<MWWorld::Ptr> allies2;
-
-                getActorsSidingWith(actor2, allies2, cachedAllies);
-
+                const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& allies2 = cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(actor2);
                 // Check that an ally of actor2 is also in combat with actor1
                 for (const MWWorld::Ptr& ally2 : allies2)
                 {
                     if (ally2 != actor2 && ally2.getClass().getCreatureStats(ally2).getAiSequence().isInCombat(actor1))
                     {
-                        mechanicsManager->startCombat(actor1, actor2);
+                        mechanicsManager->startCombat(actor1, actor2, &allies2);
                         // Also have actor1's allies start combat
                         for (const MWWorld::Ptr& ally1 : allies1)
                             if (ally1 != player)
-                                mechanicsManager->startCombat(ally1, actor2);
+                                mechanicsManager->startCombat(ally1, actor2, &allies2);
                         return;
                     }
                 }
@@ -747,7 +741,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             bool LOS = world->getLOS(actor1, actor2) && mechanicsManager->awarenessCheck(actor2, actor1);
 
             if (LOS)
-                mechanicsManager->startCombat(actor1, actor2);
+                mechanicsManager->startCombat(actor1, actor2, &cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(actor2));
         }
     }
 
@@ -1093,7 +1087,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
     }
 
-    void Actors::updateCrimePursuit(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, float duration) const
+    void Actors::updateCrimePursuit(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, float duration, SidingCache& cachedAllies) const
     {
         const MWWorld::Ptr player = getPlayer();
         if (ptr == player)
@@ -1133,7 +1127,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                     = esmStore.get<ESM::GameSetting>().find("iCrimeThresholdMultiplier")->mValue.getInteger();
                 if (playerStats.getBounty() >= cutoff * iCrimeThresholdMultiplier)
                 {
-                    mechanicsManager->startCombat(ptr, player);
+                    mechanicsManager->startCombat(ptr, player, &cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(player));
                     creatureStats.setHitAttemptActorId(
                         playerClass.getCreatureStats(player)
                             .getActorId()); // Stops the guard from quitting combat if player is unreachable
@@ -1508,8 +1502,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
             /// \todo move update logic to Actor class where appropriate
 
-            std::map<const MWWorld::Ptr, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>>
-                cachedAllies; // will be filled as engageCombat iterates
+            SidingCache cachedAllies{ *this, true }; // will be filled as engageCombat iterates
 
             const bool aiActive = MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->isAIActive();
             const int attackedByPlayerId = player.getClass().getCreatureStats(player).getHitAttemptActorId();
@@ -1597,7 +1590,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                             updateHeadTracking(actor.getPtr(), mActors, isPlayer, ctrl);
 
                         if (actor.getPtr().getClass().isNpc() && !isPlayer)
-                            updateCrimePursuit(actor.getPtr(), duration);
+                            updateCrimePursuit(actor.getPtr(), duration, cachedAllies);
 
                         if (!isPlayer)
                         {
@@ -2115,7 +2108,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             for (const auto& package : stats.getAiSequence())
             {
                 if (excludeInfighting && !sameActor && package->getTypeId() == AiPackageTypeId::Combat
-                    && package->getTarget() == actorPtr)
+                    && package->targetIs(actorPtr))
                     break;
                 if (package->sideWithTarget() && !package->getTarget().isEmpty())
                 {
@@ -2135,7 +2128,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                         }
                         list.push_back(package->getTarget());
                     }
-                    else if (package->getTarget() == actorPtr)
+                    else if (package->targetIs(actorPtr))
                     {
                         list.push_back(iteratedActor);
                     }
@@ -2154,7 +2147,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr> list;
         forEachFollowingPackage(
             mActors, actorPtr, getPlayer(), [&](const Actor& actor, const std::shared_ptr<AiPackage>& package) {
-                if (package->followTargetThroughDoors() && package->getTarget() == actorPtr)
+                if (package->followTargetThroughDoors() && package->targetIs(actorPtr))
                     list.push_back(actor.getPtr());
                 else if (package->getTypeId() != AiPackageTypeId::Combat
                     && package->getTypeId() != AiPackageTypeId::Wander)
@@ -2181,38 +2174,12 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 getActorsSidingWith(follower, out, excludeInfighting);
     }
 
-    void Actors::getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& out,
-        std::map<const MWWorld::Ptr, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>>& cachedAllies) const
-    {
-        // If we have already found actor's allies, use the cache
-        std::map<const MWWorld::Ptr, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>>::const_iterator search = cachedAllies.find(actor);
-        if (search != cachedAllies.end())
-            out.insert(search->second.begin(), search->second.end());
-        else
-        {
-            for (const MWWorld::Ptr& follower : getActorsSidingWith(actor, true))
-                if (out.insert(follower).second && follower != actor)
-                    getActorsSidingWith(follower, out, cachedAllies);
-
-            // Cache ptrs and their sets of allies
-            cachedAllies.insert(std::make_pair(actor, out));
-            for (const MWWorld::Ptr& iter : out)
-            {
-                if (iter == actor)
-                    continue;
-                search = cachedAllies.find(iter);
-                if (search == cachedAllies.end())
-                    cachedAllies.insert(std::make_pair(iter, out));
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
     std::vector<int> Actors::getActorsFollowingIndices(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) const
     {
         std::vector<int> list;
         forEachFollowingPackage(
             mActors, actor, getPlayer(), [&](const Actor&, const std::shared_ptr<AiPackage>& package) {
-                if (package->followTargetThroughDoors() && package->getTarget() == actor)
+                if (package->followTargetThroughDoors() && package->targetIs(actor))
                 {
                     list.push_back(static_cast<const AiFollow*>(package.get())->getFollowIndex());
                     return false;
@@ -2230,7 +2197,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         std::map<int, MWWorld::Ptr> map;
         forEachFollowingPackage(
             mActors, actor, getPlayer(), [&](const Actor& otherActor, const std::shared_ptr<AiPackage>& package) {
-                if (package->followTargetThroughDoors() && package->getTarget() == actor)
+                if (package->followTargetThroughDoors() && package->targetIs(actor))
                 {
                     const int index = static_cast<const AiFollow*>(package.get())->getFollowIndex();
                     map[index] = otherActor.getPtr();
@@ -2405,4 +2372,32 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             seq.fastForward(ptr);
         }
     }
+
+    const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& SidingCache::getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor)
+    {
+        // If we have already found actor's allies, use the cache
+        auto search = mCache.find(actor);
+        if (search != mCache.end())
+            return search->second;
+        std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& out = mCache[actor];
+        for (const MWWorld::Ptr& follower : mActors.getActorsSidingWith(actor, mExcludeInfighting))
+        {
+            if (out.insert(follower).second && follower != actor)
+            {
+                const auto& allies = getActorsSidingWith(follower);
+                out.insert(allies.begin(), allies.end());
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Cache ptrs and their sets of allies
+        for (const MWWorld::Ptr& iter : out)
+        {
+            if (iter == actor)
+                continue;
+            search = mCache.find(iter);
+            if (search == mCache.end())
+                mCache.emplace(iter, out);
+        }
+        return out;
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
index fe9f37511a..14c55c4e45 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     class Actor;
     class CharacterController;
     class CreatureStats;
+    class SidingCache;
 
     class Actors
     {
@@ -186,7 +187,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         void calculateRestoration(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, float duration) const;
 
-        void updateCrimePursuit(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, float duration) const;
+        void updateCrimePursuit(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, float duration, SidingCache& cachedAllies) const;
 
         void killDeadActors();
 
@@ -198,13 +199,25 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             @Notes: If againstPlayer = true then actor2 should be the Player.
                     If one of the combatants is creature it should be actor1.
         */
-        void engageCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor1, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor2,
-            std::map<const MWWorld::Ptr, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>>& cachedAllies, bool againstPlayer) const;
+        void engageCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor1, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor2, SidingCache& cachedAllies,
+            bool againstPlayer) const;
+    };
 
-        /// Recursive version of getActorsSidingWith that takes, adds to and returns a cache of
-        /// actors mapped to their allies. Excludes infighting
-        void getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& out,
-            std::map<const MWWorld::Ptr, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>>& cachedAllies) const;
+    class SidingCache
+    {
+        const Actors& mActors;
+        const bool mExcludeInfighting;
+        std::map<MWWorld::Ptr, std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>> mCache;
+
+    public:
+        SidingCache(const Actors& actors, bool excludeInfighting)
+            : mActors(actors)
+            , mExcludeInfighting(excludeInfighting)
+        {
+        }
+
+        /// Recursive version of getActorsSidingWith that takes, returns a cached set of allies
+        const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& getActorsSidingWith(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor);
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp
index 12072df2ac..0b3c2b8bd2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.cpp
@@ -270,7 +270,15 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         {
             storage.startCombatMove(isRangedCombat, distToTarget, rangeAttack, actor, target);
             // start new attack
-            storage.startAttackIfReady(actor, characterController, weapon, isRangedCombat);
+            bool canShout = true;
+            ESM::RefId spellId = storage.mCurrentAction->getSpell();
+            if (!spellId.empty())
+            {
+                const ESM::Spell* spell = MWBase::Environment::get().getESMStore()->get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellId);
+                if (spell->mEffects.mList.empty() || spell->mEffects.mList[0].mRange != ESM::RT_Target)
+                    canShout = false;
+            }
+            storage.startAttackIfReady(actor, characterController, weapon, isRangedCombat, canShout);
         }
 
         // If actor uses custom destination it has to try to rebuild path because environment can change
@@ -635,7 +643,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
     }
 
     void AiCombatStorage::startAttackIfReady(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, CharacterController& characterController,
-        const ESM::Weapon* weapon, bool distantCombat)
+        const ESM::Weapon* weapon, bool distantCombat, bool canShout)
     {
         if (mReadyToAttack && characterController.readyToStartAttack())
         {
@@ -658,12 +666,15 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                     baseDelay = store.get<ESM::GameSetting>().find("fCombatDelayNPC")->mValue.getFloat();
                 }
 
-                // Say a provoking combat phrase
-                const int iVoiceAttackOdds
-                    = store.get<ESM::GameSetting>().find("iVoiceAttackOdds")->mValue.getInteger();
-                if (Misc::Rng::roll0to99(prng) < iVoiceAttackOdds)
+                if (canShout)
                 {
-                    MWBase::Environment::get().getDialogueManager()->say(actor, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("attack"));
+                    // Say a provoking combat phrase
+                    const int iVoiceAttackOdds
+                        = store.get<ESM::GameSetting>().find("iVoiceAttackOdds")->mValue.getInteger();
+                    if (Misc::Rng::roll0to99(prng) < iVoiceAttackOdds)
+                    {
+                        MWBase::Environment::get().getDialogueManager()->say(actor, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("attack"));
+                    }
                 }
                 mAttackCooldown = std::min(baseDelay + 0.01 * Misc::Rng::roll0to99(prng), baseDelay + 0.9);
             }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.hpp
index 494f038d6e..d5a9c3464c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombat.hpp
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         void updateCombatMove(float duration);
         void stopCombatMove();
         void startAttackIfReady(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, CharacterController& characterController,
-            const ESM::Weapon* weapon, bool distantCombat);
+            const ESM::Weapon* weapon, bool distantCombat, bool canShout);
         void updateAttack(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, CharacterController& characterController);
         void stopAttack();
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.hpp
index 05d2a18e25..9eb7df211a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicombataction.hpp
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         virtual float getCombatRange(bool& isRanged) const = 0;
         virtual float getActionCooldown() const { return 0.f; }
         virtual const ESM::Weapon* getWeapon() const { return nullptr; }
+        virtual ESM::RefId getSpell() const { return {}; }
         virtual bool isAttackingOrSpell() const { return true; }
         virtual bool isFleeing() const { return false; }
     };
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         void prepare(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) override;
 
         float getCombatRange(bool& isRanged) const override;
+        ESM::RefId getSpell() const override { return mSpellId; }
     };
 
     class ActionEnchantedItem : public Action
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
index fe83ce11ab..4bcfc7dedd 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
@@ -98,6 +98,26 @@ MWWorld::Ptr MWMechanics::AiPackage::getTarget() const
     return mCachedTarget;
 }
 
+bool MWMechanics::AiPackage::targetIs(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const
+{
+    if (mTargetActorId == -2)
+        return ptr.isEmpty();
+    else if (mTargetActorId == -1)
+    {
+        if (mTargetActorRefId.empty())
+        {
+            mTargetActorId = -2;
+            return ptr.isEmpty();
+        }
+        if (!ptr.isEmpty() && ptr.getCellRef().getRefId() == mTargetActorRefId)
+            return getTarget() == ptr;
+        return false;
+    }
+    if (ptr.isEmpty() || !ptr.getClass().isActor())
+        return false;
+    return ptr.getClass().getCreatureStats(ptr).getActorId() == mTargetActorId;
+}
+
 void MWMechanics::AiPackage::reset()
 {
     // reset all members
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
index 9e13ee9cd5..29a9f9c9ad 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
@@ -87,6 +87,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         /// Get the target actor the AI is targeted at (not applicable to all AI packages, default return empty Ptr)
         virtual MWWorld::Ptr getTarget() const;
+        /// Optimized version of getTarget() == ptr
+        virtual bool targetIs(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
 
         /// Get the destination point of the AI package (not applicable to all AI packages, default return (0, 0, 0))
         virtual osg::Vec3f getDestination(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) const { return osg::Vec3f(0, 0, 0); }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp
index 5d6f25ecb8..82c4b1c0bd 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp
@@ -176,11 +176,11 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         if (!isInCombat())
             return false;
 
-        for (auto it = mPackages.begin(); it != mPackages.end(); ++it)
+        for (const auto& package : mPackages)
         {
-            if ((*it)->getTypeId() == AiPackageTypeId::Combat)
+            if (package->getTypeId() == AiPackageTypeId::Combat)
             {
-                if ((*it)->getTarget() == actor)
+                if (package->targetIs(actor))
                     return true;
             }
         }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.hpp
index 92c1724ea6..6b02da6633 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.hpp
@@ -132,9 +132,6 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         /// Are we in combat with this particular actor?
         bool isInCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) const;
 
-        bool canAddTarget(const ESM::Position& actorPos, float distToTarget) const;
-        ///< Function assumes that actor can have only 1 target apart player
-
         /// Removes all combat packages until first non-combat or stack empty.
         void stopCombat();
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
index 9fd1b3ff8d..d1855d00bb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
 #include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
 
 #include "actor.hpp"
+#include "actors.hpp"
 #include "actorutil.hpp"
 #include "aicombat.hpp"
 #include "aipursue.hpp"
@@ -1192,9 +1193,9 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 && !victim.getClass().getCreatureStats(victim).getAiSequence().hasPackage(AiPackageTypeId::Pursue))
                 reported = reportCrime(player, victim, type, ESM::RefId(), arg);
 
+            // TODO: combat should be started with an "unaware" flag, which makes the victim flee?
             if (!reported)
-                startCombat(victim,
-                    player); // TODO: combat should be started with an "unaware" flag, which makes the victim flee?
+                startCombat(victim, player, &playerFollowers);
         }
         return crimeSeen;
     }
@@ -1435,7 +1436,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                         observerStats.modCrimeDispositionModifier(dispositionModifier);
                     }
 
-                    startCombat(actor, player);
+                    startCombat(actor, player, &playerFollowers);
 
                     // Apply aggression value to the base Fight rating, so that the actor can continue fighting
                     // after a Calm spell wears off
@@ -1486,7 +1487,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 // Attacker is in combat with us, but we are not in combat with the attacker yet. Time to fight back.
                 // Note: accidental or collateral damage attacks are ignored.
                 if (!victim.getClass().getCreatureStats(victim).getAiSequence().isInPursuit())
-                    startCombat(victim, player);
+                    startCombat(victim, player, &playerFollowers);
 
                 // Set the crime ID, which we will use to calm down participants
                 // once the bounty has been paid.
@@ -1531,14 +1532,14 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
                 if (!peaceful)
                 {
-                    startCombat(target, attacker);
+                    SidingCache cachedAllies{ mActors, false };
+                    const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>& attackerAllies = cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(attacker);
+                    startCombat(target, attacker, &attackerAllies);
                     // Force friendly actors into combat to prevent infighting between followers
-                    std::set<MWWorld::Ptr> followersTarget;
-                    getActorsSidingWith(target, followersTarget);
-                    for (const auto& follower : followersTarget)
+                    for (const auto& follower : cachedAllies.getActorsSidingWith(target))
                     {
                         if (follower != attacker && follower != player)
-                            startCombat(follower, attacker);
+                            startCombat(follower, attacker, &attackerAllies);
                     }
                 }
             }
@@ -1687,7 +1688,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
     }
 
-    void MechanicsManager::startCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& target)
+    void MechanicsManager::startCombat(
+        const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& target, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>* targetAllies)
     {
         CreatureStats& stats = ptr.getClass().getCreatureStats(ptr);
 
@@ -1704,6 +1706,31 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             return;
         }
 
+        const bool inCombat = stats.getAiSequence().isInCombat();
+        bool shout = !inCombat;
+        if (inCombat)
+        {
+            const auto isInCombatWithOneOf = [&](const auto& allies) {
+                for (const MWWorld::Ptr& ally : allies)
+                {
+                    if (stats.getAiSequence().isInCombat(ally))
+                        return true;
+                }
+                return false;
+            };
+            if (targetAllies)
+                shout = !isInCombatWithOneOf(*targetAllies);
+            else
+            {
+                shout = stats.getAiSequence().isInCombat(target);
+                if (!shout)
+                {
+                    std::set<MWWorld::Ptr> sidingActors;
+                    getActorsSidingWith(target, sidingActors);
+                    shout = !isInCombatWithOneOf(sidingActors);
+                }
+            }
+        }
         stats.getAiSequence().stack(MWMechanics::AiCombat(target), ptr);
         if (target == getPlayer())
         {
@@ -1738,7 +1765,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
 
         // Must be done after the target is set up, so that CreatureTargetted dialogue filter works properly
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getDialogueManager()->say(ptr, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("attack"));
+        if (shout)
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getDialogueManager()->say(ptr, ESM::RefId::stringRefId("attack"));
     }
 
     void MechanicsManager::stopCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
index 029d974ac2..516b778f1e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -107,7 +107,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         bool awarenessCheck(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& observer) override;
 
         /// Makes \a ptr fight \a target. Also shouts a combat taunt.
-        void startCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& target) override;
+        void startCombat(
+            const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const MWWorld::Ptr& target, const std::set<MWWorld::Ptr>* targetAllies) override;
 
         void stopCombat(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) override;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/aiextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/aiextensions.cpp
index b6acbd246b..a91a585367 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/aiextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/aiextensions.cpp
@@ -507,8 +507,9 @@ namespace MWScript
                 runtime.pop();
 
                 MWWorld::Ptr target = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->searchPtr(targetID, true, false);
-                if (!target.isEmpty())
-                    MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->startCombat(actor, target);
+                if (!target.isEmpty() && !target.getBase()->isDeleted()
+                    && !target.getClass().getCreatureStats(target).isDead())
+                    MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->startCombat(actor, target, nullptr);
             }
         };