diff --git a/code/modules/antagonists/cult/runes.dm b/code/modules/antagonists/cult/runes.dm
index a1241d599889..c75eb023888d 100644
--- a/code/modules/antagonists/cult/runes.dm
+++ b/code/modules/antagonists/cult/runes.dm
@@ -804,7 +804,7 @@ structure_check() searches for nearby cultist structures required for the invoca
 	construct_invoke = FALSE
 	color = RUNE_COLOR_DARKRED
 	var/mob/living/affecting = null
-	var/ghost_limit = 4
+	var/ghost_limit = 3
 	var/ghosts = 0
 
 /obj/effect/rune/manifest/Initialize()
@@ -834,6 +834,11 @@ structure_check() searches for nearby cultist structures required for the invoca
 		if(A.map_name == "Space" || is_mining_level(T.z))
 			to_chat(user, "<span class='cultitalic'><b>The veil is not weak enough here to manifest spirits, you must be on station!</b></span>")
 			return
+		if(ghosts >= ghost_limit)
+			to_chat(user, "<span class='cultitalic'>You are sustaining too many ghosts to summon more!</span>")
+			fail_invoke()
+			log_game("Manifest rune failed - too many summoned ghosts")
+			return list()
 		notify_ghosts("Manifest rune invoked in [get_area(src)].", 'sound/effects/ghost2.ogg', source = src)
 		var/list/ghosts_on_rune = list()
 		for(var/mob/dead/observer/O in T)
@@ -852,11 +857,6 @@ structure_check() searches for nearby cultist structures required for the invoca
 		new_human.apply_status_effect(STATUS_EFFECT_SUMMONEDGHOST) //ghosts can't summon more ghosts
 		new_human.see_invisible = SEE_INVISIBLE_OBSERVER
 		ghosts++
-		if(ghosts >= ghost_limit)
-			to_chat(user, "<span class='cultitalic'>You are sustaining too many ghosts to summon more!</span>")
-			fail_invoke()
-			log_game("Manifest rune failed - too many summoned ghosts")
-			return list()
 		playsound(src, 'sound/magic/exit_blood.ogg', 50, 1)
 		visible_message("<span class='warning'>A cloud of red mist forms above [src], and from within steps... a [new_human.gender == FEMALE ? "wo":""]man.</span>")
 		to_chat(user, "<span class='cultitalic'>Your blood begins flowing into [src]. You must remain in place and conscious to maintain the forms of those summoned. This will hurt you slowly but surely...</span>")