Attempting to fix issues #272 , #266 , #261 , and #255 .

src/main/java/com/gmail/nossr50/skills/swords/CounterAttackEventHandler.java

@@ -24,6 +24,9 @@ public class CounterAttackEventHandler {
     }
 
     protected boolean isHoldingSword() {
+        if(player == null)
+            return false;
+
         return ItemChecks.isSword(player.getItemInHand());
     }
 
@@ -36,6 +39,9 @@ public class CounterAttackEventHandler {
     }
 
     protected void sendAbilityMessages() {
+        if(player == null)
+            return;
+
         player.sendMessage(LocaleLoader.getString("Swords.Combat.Countered"));
 
         if (attacker instanceof Player) {

src/main/java/com/gmail/nossr50/skills/swords/SerratedStrikesEventHandler.java

@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ public class SerratedStrikesEventHandler {
     }
 
     protected void applyAbilityEffects() {
+        if(player == null)
+            return;
+
         Combat.applyAbilityAoE(player, target, damage / Swords.SERRATED_STRIKES_MODIFIER, SkillType.SWORDS);
         BleedTimer.add(target, Swords.SERRATED_STRIKES_BLEED_TICKS);
     }

src/main/java/com/gmail/nossr50/skills/swords/SwordsManager.java

@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ public class SwordsManager {
      * @param defender The defending entity
      */
     public void bleedCheck(LivingEntity defender) {
+        if(player == null)
+            return;
+
         if (!permissionsInstance.swordsBleed(player)) {
             return;
         }