diff --git a/python/dialog/npc_dialog.py b/python/dialog/npc_dialog.py
index 4fd92232f..c5b7029df 100644
--- a/python/dialog/npc_dialog.py
+++ b/python/dialog/npc_dialog.py
@@ -113,5 +113,5 @@ for jsonRule in dialogs:
 
 if speech.speak(Crossfire.WhatIsMessage()) == 0:
     # block the NPC for some time
-    Crossfire.WhoAmI().WriteKey('talked_to', random.randint(3, 8), 1);
+    Crossfire.WhoAmI().WriteKey('talked_to', str(random.randint(3, 8)), 1);
     Crossfire.SetReturnValue(1)