No matter how hard you work or how big an army you raise, there will come a point when all is lost. Your army has forsaken you or been destroyed, your plans have been foiled, and only a few of your henchmen remain.
Impossibly, the situation is worse than it seems.
You are probably in a lair or fortress of your own, with the battle raging just outside. The most dangerous moment is yet to come. As soon as your defenses crumble, while the hero’s friends are dashing through your castle, slaying your minions, the hero’s mind will become focused on finding you.
You might be provoked enough to face him in hand-to-hand combat, but restrain yourself. That whippersnapper is skilled with a sword, you know, while you haven’t touched one in years.
So, run. Well, not literally. What we mean to say is that you should always, always have emergency transportation available (only for you, of course). This might be an escape pod, a beast that moves quickly or can fly, an underground train, a boat or submarine, or any other contraption that strikes your fancy.
(Note: You must either be able to direct your conveyance yourself or have a pilot constantly on duty.)
If you are especially short on time, you can lead the hero along by offering to fight him and pretending to retreat until you reach the room where your vehicle is kept. At the last moment, you can delay him with some tactic or with the help of your remaining henchmen in order to reach your emergency transportation and make good your escape.
We warn you, this Villain Tip can not be employed without careful planning and some expense. But trust us, it is well worth it be able to laugh sardonically no matter which way the battle goes.
As soon as you are sure that victory will not be yours – this time – you can hurry to escape in your emergency transportation to a safe place where you can come up with an even bigger plan . . . which will definitely include slaying the hero and his ridiculous followers.
Mwahahaha!