diff --git a/dat/minetn-1.lua b/dat/minetn-1.lua
index 590817bf4..960553d4e 100644
--- a/dat/minetn-1.lua
+++ b/dat/minetn-1.lua
@@ -130,8 +130,10 @@ for i=1,5 + math.random(1 - 1,1*10) do
    end
 end
 -- shamans can be hanging out in/near the temple
-for i=1,math.random(2 - 1,2*3) do
-   des.monster({ id = "orc shaman", coord = near_temple:rndcoord(0), peaceful=0 });
+-- one of the shamans is higher level
+for i=1,math.random(1,6) do
+   des.monster({ id = "orc shaman", coord = near_temple:rndcoord(0), peaceful=0,
+                 m_lev_adj = (i == 1) and 3 or 0 });
 end
 -- these are not such a big deal
 -- to run into outside the bars
diff --git a/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt b/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt
index f4d2a35ca..9d7415ba5 100644
--- a/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt
+++ b/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt
@@ -1588,6 +1588,7 @@ priest donation amounts are explicitly stated, randomized slightly, based on
 amulet of magical breathing increases power regeneration
 change some command keys, 'v' is now chronicle, 'V' is versionshort,
 	m-prefix 'V' is longer version, remove key binding of #history
+one orc-town shaman has a higher level, affecting spellcasting
 
 
 Fixes to 3.7.0-x General Problems Exposed Via git Repository
diff --git a/doc/lua.adoc b/doc/lua.adoc
index 3d03342b8..9cfa1cd8e 100644
--- a/doc/lua.adoc
+++ b/doc/lua.adoc
@@ -819,6 +819,7 @@ The hash parameter accepts the following keys:
 | stunned        | boolean |
 | confused       | boolean |
 | waiting        | boolean | monster will wait until hero gets next to it
+| m_lev_adj      | integer | monster's level adjustment
 | tail           | boolean | generate worm without a tail?
 | group          | boolean | generate a group of monsters?
 | adjacentok     | boolean | is adjacent location ok, if given one is not suitable?
diff --git a/include/sp_lev.h b/include/sp_lev.h
index 769c6a1c7..52e89978c 100644
--- a/include/sp_lev.h
+++ b/include/sp_lev.h
@@ -145,6 +145,7 @@ typedef struct {
     schar peaceful, asleep;
     short female, invis, cancelled, revived, avenge, fleeing, blinded,
         paralyzed, stunned, confused, waiting;
+    short m_lev_adj;
     long seentraps;
     short has_invent;
     mmflags_nht mm_flags; /* makemon flags */
diff --git a/src/sp_lev.c b/src/sp_lev.c
index 2e1b4ab65..d6324827e 100644
--- a/src/sp_lev.c
+++ b/src/sp_lev.c
@@ -2165,6 +2165,14 @@ create_monster(monster *m, struct mkroom *croom)
             if (vampshifted(mtmp) && m->appear != M_AP_MONSTER)
                 (void) newcham(mtmp, &mons[mtmp->cham], NO_NC_FLAGS);
         }
+        if (m->m_lev_adj) {
+            if (mtmp->m_lev + m->m_lev_adj > 49)
+                mtmp->m_lev = 49;
+            else if (mtmp->m_lev + m->m_lev_adj < 0)
+                mtmp->m_lev = 0;
+            else
+                mtmp->m_lev += m->m_lev_adj;
+        }
         if (!(m->has_invent & DEFAULT_INVENT)) {
             /* guard against someone accidentally specifying e.g. quest nemesis
              * with custom inventory that lacks Bell or quest artifact but
@@ -3298,6 +3306,7 @@ lspo_monster(lua_State *L)
         tmpmons.stunned = get_table_boolean_opt(L, "stunned", FALSE);
         tmpmons.confused = get_table_boolean_opt(L, "confused", FALSE);
         tmpmons.waiting = get_table_boolean_opt(L, "waiting", FALSE);
+        tmpmons.m_lev_adj = get_table_int_opt(L, "m_lev_adj", 0);
         tmpmons.seentraps = 0; /* TODO: list of trap names to bitfield */
         keep_default_invent =
             get_table_boolean_opt(L, "keep_default_invent", -1);