diff --git a/internal/characters/character.go b/internal/characters/character.go
index 10136fb3..081439df 100644
--- a/internal/characters/character.go
+++ b/internal/characters/character.go
@@ -1381,6 +1381,10 @@ func (c *Character) RecalculateStats() {
 
 	if raceInfo := races.GetRace(c.RaceId); raceInfo != nil {
 		c.TNLScale = raceInfo.TNLScale
+		// Safety check: ensure TNLScale is never 0
+		if c.TNLScale == 0 {
+			c.TNLScale = 1.0
+		}
 		c.Stats.Strength.Base = raceInfo.Stats.Strength.Base
 		c.Stats.Speed.Base = raceInfo.Stats.Speed.Base
 		c.Stats.Smarts.Base = raceInfo.Stats.Smarts.Base
diff --git a/internal/races/races.go b/internal/races/races.go
index c42cb23f..0dc7b20a 100644
--- a/internal/races/races.go
+++ b/internal/races/races.go
@@ -113,6 +113,11 @@ func (r *Race) Validate() error {
 		r.Damage.FormatDiceRoll()
 	}
 
+	// Ensure TNLScale is never 0, default to 1.0
+	if r.TNLScale == 0 {
+		r.TNLScale = 1.0
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }