diff --git a/src/engine/objects/Realm.java b/src/engine/objects/Realm.java
index 2e0b43c3..d1bc2f6d 100644
--- a/src/engine/objects/Realm.java
+++ b/src/engine/objects/Realm.java
@@ -316,7 +316,10 @@ public class Realm {
             writer.putInt(Enum.GameObjectType.City.ordinal());
             writer.putInt(rulingCityUUID);
 
-            writer.putLocalDateTime(this.ruledSince);
+            if(this.ruledSince != null)
+                writer.putLocalDateTime(this.ruledSince);
+            else
+                writer.putLocalDateTime(LocalDateTime.now().withMonth(1).withDayOfMonth(1).withHour(0).withMinute(0).withSecond(0));
 
             writer.putString(rulingNationName);
             GuildTag._serializeForDisplay(rulingNationTags, writer);