RobP2 wrote: being the lone hero, the quiet good guy who eventually kicks bad guy ass, the righteous warrior.
That's me down to a tee! Oh wait you said fantasy, dam it now my world doesn't make any sense!
Seriously i remember seeing a youtube clip posted here or at .net about an Australian chap, ex-services, and former trainer of Mandella's body guards, who was doing an interview for Good morning Australia (i think) which had some top-noch advice (and also simple common sense) in this regard. Basically he spoke about a) avoidance b) survival. Avoidance included not going to poorly light places alone at night with handfuls of cash etc. And survival included simply just giving up the money if that is what they want. Dammed if i can remember his name...will search on and see if i can find the clip.
EDIT: found the clip the gents name is Rob Redenbach, very no nonsense approach i thought.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrZieC3ysyk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cgP70tmAro