diff --git a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/Char.java b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/Char.java
index 3547119c6..74675b668 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/Char.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/Char.java
@@ -632,12 +632,14 @@ public abstract class Char extends Actor {
 		destroy();
 		if (src != Chasm.class) sprite.die();
 	}
+
+	//we cache this info to prevent having to call buff(...) in isAlive.
+	//This is relevant because we call isAlive during drawing, which has both performance
+	//and thread coordination implications
+	public boolean deathMarked = false;
 	
 	public boolean isAlive() {
-		if (buff(DeathMark.DeathMarkTracker.class) != null){
-			return true;
-		}
-		return HP > 0;
+		return HP > 0 || deathMarked;
 	}
 	
 	@Override
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/Hero.java b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/Hero.java
index e8f82dca2..5e9fbdab4 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/Hero.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/Hero.java
@@ -1719,9 +1719,9 @@ public class Hero extends Char {
 		Dungeon.deleteGame( GamesInProgress.curSlot, true );
 	}
 
-	//effectively cache this buff to prevent having to call buff(Berserk.class) a bunch.
+	//effectively cache this buff to prevent having to call buff(...) a bunch.
 	//This is relevant because we call isAlive during drawing, which has both performance
-	//and concurrent modification implications if that method calls buff(Berserk.class)
+	//and thread coordination implications if that method calls buff(...) frequently
 	private Berserk berserk;
 
 	@Override
diff --git a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/abilities/rogue/DeathMark.java b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/abilities/rogue/DeathMark.java
index 920dcd52b..470a753cb 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/abilities/rogue/DeathMark.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/com/shatteredpixel/shatteredpixeldungeon/actors/hero/abilities/rogue/DeathMark.java
@@ -163,9 +163,20 @@ public class DeathMark extends ArmorAbility {
 			}
 		}
 
+		@Override
+		public boolean attachTo(Char target) {
+			if (super.attachTo(target)){
+				target.deathMarked = true;
+				return true;
+			} else {
+				return false;
+			}
+		}
+
 		@Override
 		public void detach() {
 			super.detach();
+			target.deathMarked = false;
 			if (!target.isAlive()){
 				target.sprite.flash();
 				target.sprite.bloodBurstA(target.sprite.center(), target.HT*2);