diff --git a/src/g_game.c b/src/g_game.c
index 5e45921b7..d90439152 100644
--- a/src/g_game.c
+++ b/src/g_game.c
@@ -2196,6 +2196,9 @@ void G_PlayerReborn(INT32 player)
 	p->health = 1; // 0 rings
 	p->panim = PA_IDLE; // standing animation
 
+	if (mariomode)
+		p->powers[pw_shield] = SH_PITY; // start big
+
 	if ((netgame || multiplayer) && !p->spectator)
 		p->powers[pw_flashing] = flashingtics-1; // Babysitting deterrent