I was thinking along the lines of walking with a big group of people or carrying a weapon of some sort, but that's fine too.

[Tramboi]

Originally Posted by stuboy

Point is, random acts of senseless violence will always continue to exist, especially when people are in groups, and the best thing anyone can do is stay alert (crossing the road is useful, especially to find out whether someone is following you) and remember that flight is always better than fight if you have the option. If not, use a house key as an improv knuckle-duster.

Or have brassknuckles in your pocket to open doors (we*are* adventure gamers after all)

More seriously (yet having a weapon, though illegal, avoids 95% of fights just by intimidation, the only problem is that the last 5% are a bit tough ), Flux, get some tear gas, it can greatly help fleeing and you won't have to feel bad hurting somebody.
And you'll soon realize a punch in the face is not that much, it may be intidimidating the first time, but let's be positive and think you weren't beaten black and blue, nor knived!

[Intrepid Homoludens]

Pepper spray is very good, and carry a whistle. But really, staying alert and knowing your surroundings and potential emergency exit routes are among your best defenses.

[Starflux]

That was actually my first thought: gotta get me some mace. But you can't exactly buy that stuff in the convenience store here. Remember that there isn't really a civilian arms race going on here. I might consider it, but at the same time I'd just get nervous if I'd have to remember to take spray with me in my pocket every time I went out.

[Karmillo]

Also get a big coat. A coat big enough to hide many things.

You dont have to find anything in it, but people will think twice about messing with you after that, theyll be thinking
"Whats under that coat?"
"Dont risk it man, it could be anything"
"But..Yeah, some things are not meant to be known"

[Maquisard]

It sounds like paranoia and agoraphobia are the best two possible mental disorders you could take away from this incident.

[Starflux]

I often take my umbrella outside as a cane for style reasons. I did the same just now and felt safer knowing I had a possible weapon in my hand that I knew how to wield

[squarejawhero]

Originally Posted by SamNMax

Minus the paleness and the thiness, that's me.

Nah, you're the Prince of Persia.

[Starflux]

Minus the length I could actually be the Creepy Thin Man from Charlie's Angels. I've got the skills with an umbrella/cane, I'm thin and pale, just not very long.

But I can wield that umbrella. I could be put in a Vaudeville theatre and perform the heck out of that thing.

[Intrepid Homoludens]

Originally Posted by Flux

But I can wield that umbrella. I could be put in a Vaudeville theatre and perform the heck out of that thing.

Yes, that would definitely scare those chavs off.

[Starflux]

Roxie!

Originally Posted by squarejawhero

Nah, you're the Prince of Persia.

Really don't see it.

Originally Posted by Intrepid Homoludens

Pepper spray is very good, and carry a whistle. But really, staying alert and knowing your surroundings and potential emergency exit routes are among your best defenses.

No, none of that crap. He's gotta have a Rocky moment. Or at least a Karate Kid moment.

You're the best around. And nothin's ever gonna keep ya down.

[Emage]

Yes, As Monty Python onse said, "Run Away, "Run Away"!!