History JustForFun / TVTropesAdditionalEvilOverlordVowsCellblockE

# Before imprisonment, any captives will be given a thorough and complete cavity search by someone who is not sexually attracted to them in any way. Any guard disgusted by this duty will be summarily executed and replaced with a more willing employee.

# However, if I meet TheHero in a place where neither of us can harm the other, [[WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra e.g. the Spirit Realm]], I will covertly tell my minions to go to their location and capture their physical body, while I distract them by talking about my beliefs/ how my day is going/ my TragicBackstory. If any seeds of doubt can be sown into their mind, it will give me yet another advantage should things go pear-shaped.
# [[BloodKnight Blood Knight]] though I may be, I will not attempt to best the Hero in single combat just to prove that I'm superior. If I have him at my mercy, I'll just kill him. He can't prove he's superior to me if his head is at my feet.
# My Legion of Terror will be equal opportunity employer but all applicant Mooks will have to pass a competency and physical aptitude test and will be placed in positions fit for their results. However, all of them will be given health benefits for them and their families, including life insurance so that low ranking mooks will have an incentive to go on suicide missions.
# I will build my fortress so that in the event that the alarm is raised, there will be a hall that my elite defense mooks are instructed to enter that has no windows, the entrance and exits automatically shutdown and no way to sabotage the hall. All Mooks will be instructed to shoot back to back and any mook that shoots facing one another deserves what he gets (if they don't die, they will not be killed but suffer a fatal accident).
# My Mooks will be given special headgear to protective from concussive/flash bangs, smoke bombs, and poison/noxious gasses so as not to be caught off guard and the hall will be specifically designed to immediately respond to any fires and or vapors that arise in the hall, instantly erasing them but not lasting long enough to give the hero and his gang any advantage should they possess certain elemental affinities.

# In the event I forget that holding the IdiotBall is a Bad Thing and decide to place the hero in a DeathTrap instead of [[WhyDontYouJustShootHim executing him cleanly and quickly]], I will watch the whole thing and have a squadron of my Legions of Terror on standby to gun down the hero if he escapes.
# When building my evil Fortress'O'Doom, I will make sure that the room holding all my weapons and/or explosives is a) always locked, guarded and watched and b) not right next to or under my main room of doom.

# When I have all the tunnels rigged with mines, pit-traps or swinging blade traps, I will make sure to inform my troops of the fact that there in the tunnels there are mines, pit-traps and swinging blade traps.
# I will remember that EvenEvilHasLovedOnes and plan accordingly. I will not give my minions any reason to resent me and will in fact encourage MinionShipping so that if the hero kills one or more of them, there is always someone with [[RoaringRampageOfRevenge a very good reason to want the hero dead]]. I will engage in [[VillainousFriendship Villainous Friendships]] with my minions and especially my [[TheDragon Dragon]] and [[QuirkyMinibossSquad lieutenants]]. I will engage in UnholyMatrimony rather than use a harem. Being able to call upon the PowerOfLove and the PowerOfFriendship is nothing to sneeze at.
# Before engaging in my Reign of Terror as a VillainWithGoodPublicity, I will hire an ObviouslyEvil [[EvilChancellor vizier/advisor/chancellor/prime minister]] who is also TheStarscream and about as competent as the TropeNamer. I will put him ostensibly in charge of the most unsavory parts of my Empire without actually giving him any real authority. He will make an excellent fall guy and I will endeavour to allow the Hero to "free" me from the influence of my EvilChancellor who has obviously been the cause of all this tragedy that has occurred behind my back.
# Once the Hero starts killing off large numbers of my {{Mooks}}, I will periodically hold [[DueToTheDead mass memorial services]] for them with open caskets and grieving relatives for all the world to see. I will deliver an eulogy and shed a SingleTear for my slain comrades. This will paint me as AFatherToHisMen and the Hero as a SociopathicHero. I will also provide bursaries for the education of surviving dependants, medals to honor the fallen and gratituities to feed their surviving parents and widows. If there are any orphans (especially if both parents worked for me), I will raise them in an OrphanageOfLove and see if I can convince some of them to become [[TykeBomb Tyke Bombs]]. I will use these in my elite guard and the Hero can explain to them why Daddy and Mommy had to die just for doing their jobs.

# If I ever split my soul into multiple nearly-indestructible pieces to become unkillable, I will make one of those pieces a part of a deep space probe, one of them a random miscellaneous object of absolutely no significance, and one of them the gravestone of TheHero's parents (heroes are ''always'' orphans, right?).
# [[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime I will not pull the plug on a group of genetically-engineered super-soldiers]] just because the first one turned out [[ItCanThink smarter]] [[GoneHorriblyRight than I expected]], especially if it means killing a batch that's already half-finished. The prototype likely won't appereciate me scrapping his bretheren just because I got cold feet, will inevitably find out (some idiot always talks), and could express his displeasure in some VERY counterproductive ways.
# If TheHero is ever dangling off the edge of some edifice over a pit of death or something similar, I will not waste time trying to stomp on his/her hands. I will shoot them. Better yet, I will shoot HIM.
# None of my Mooks will be wearing opaque helmets in my presence. I will not hire a Mook that hides his/her face. Any Mook that refuses to take off their helmet will be shot immediately.

# Whenever I use magic, I will ensure that destroying the source of it will ''not'' [[NoOntologicalInertia completely reverse its effects]], and that only an opposite spell will undo the previous one.

# Any prisoner who is a skilled martial artist or possesses superpowers will be physically restrained as much as possible.
# If I find myself attempting to conquer an insignificant blue planet, [[Franchise/PowerRangers my first thoughts are not going to be firebomb the surface or send masses of mooks to harm the population; that is just asking for a team of pesky heroes to fight back.]] Instead, I will communicate with the leaders of this little world and see whether I can assimilate them into my empire peacefully. If it doesn't work, ''then'' I break out the army.
# While [[ZergRush launching all my forces at a 'defenseless' planet]] can be an effective means of conquering it, it can leave the inhabitants resorting to more [[GodzillaThreshold drastic]] measures. Hence, if I am expanding my empire and come across a new inhabited planet, I will deploy small scale skirmishes to test the local defences, while simultaneously learning about the planet's culture and philosophies. I will also ensure that my navy is outfitted with defenses against potential weapons the natives may use against me.

# If I invite the hero to dinner, I will not attempt to kill them with poisoned food, drink or any other methods that could potentially be used against me. Instead, a trained (and loyal) sniper will have their crosshairs on the hero at all times; so if the need arises, they can be eliminated efficiently. After all, I invited the hero to dinner for a reason. If I wanted to kill them, they wouldn't have made the courtyard.

# I will [[UsefulNotes/AdolfHitler always make sure my Legions of Terror have plentiful supplies of winter uniforms]].
** Following up on that, I will never invade a country where said uniforms would be necessary to survive in the winter.
# Unless it is an absolute last resort, I will not hide out in my [[BasementDweller grandmother's basement]]. Eventually I'll have to go to the bathroom, and chances are the old bint will find out and rat me out to TheHero's pals.

# If I ever get into a debate with the hero, I will assume that the hero is a skilled debater and I should treat him as such. Avoid using fallacious arguments and do not be afraid to point out and explain the fallacy (especially Ad hominem and Poisoning the well fallacies).
# It might not even be a good idea to usurp the throne of my noble half-brother ([[EvilOverlordList see original Rule #3]]). If one of my trusted advisers or lieutenants suddenly informs me it’s a mad scheme… they can probably find far better uses for an iron mask. Besides, I might [[EnemyMine actually need his help later on.]]
# When punishing my minions, I will not kill them (with the expectation of a [[HeelFaceTurn heel-face turn]]) or spam the agony beam as they tend to lower morale and cause Mistreatment-Induced Betrayals.
# Continuing [[EvilOverlordList Rule #2]] if the [[FiveManBand heroes]] have a TeamPet that is small enough to crawl through the ventilation ducts I will add surveillance cameras in the ducts.
# Going [[GoKartingWithBowser Go-Karting]] with TheHero and other assorted cast is always a good idea. Morale is boosted if the Evil Overlord is seen doing something actually human and having fun for once.
# The plexiglass to be used for the visors on my soldiers’ helmets (see Rule #1) will be anti-scratch ''and'' anti-glare. Something called Crizal, perhaps?

# I will regularly train with an OldMaster (or two) and make sure my Legions of Terror regularly train with a variety of {{Old Master}}s themselves. After all, how do you think they became {{Old Master}}s?

# I will simply push {{the hero}} into the {{shark pool}} instead of hanging him above it.

# No matter how remote the possibility may be, I will always keep in mind the possibility of a god, gods or god-like entity existing and assisting the hero, a la [[Literature/TheOdyssey The Odyssey]].
# If the Hero is beginning a [[Main/TransformationSequence transformation sequence]], I will either shoot the Hero as s/he is undergoing it or increase my weapon's power as it occurs, rather than merely standing and gawking at it.

# My base of operations will be a nondescript average-sized building with no visual displays of any sort. Rest assured, a legitimate business where you rent out your quarters will ''not'' hesitate to rat you out if TheHero and his pals come knocking.

# If through some method, I have obtained my second in command or other allies by manufacturing a tragedy that caused them to join me, I will never ever reveal to them that I was the one behind it, no matter how loyal I think they now are [[EvilOverlordListCellblockA (See rule #189)]]. That is just a free HeelFaceTurn waiting to happen
# I will never ever tell destructive weapons to converge on ''my'' position. This is particularly true if a) the units destroy based on certain criteria no matter what, or b) the units are just forces of destruction that destroy everything no matter what. Even if the hero is at my location, I will not say this: anything can happen in the time between my summons, and the time the units arrive. Circumstances may occur such that I, or something in/on/around me that I don't know about/can't immediately remove/can't reach, wind up fitting the profile of my weapons' target, and if I state ''my'' position, I've guaranteed that my own weapons will chase me down wherever I go. Instead I will summon them to a fixed position that I know I can flee in an emergency, that isn't dependent on where I am.

#I will not forbid any school, camp, campaign, or community organization under my jurisdiction to ever have a public show. [[VillainWithGoodPublicity Good PR is not always overrated.]]
# Under zero circumstances will I [[XylophoneGag hotwire – or encourage anyone else to hotwire – any musical instrument]] for the express purpose of disposing of TheHero. Neither Murphy's law nor FinaglesLaw play favorites.

# If the hero has a very strong compulsion to [[ThouShaltNotKill never take a life]], then [[JokerImmunity I will take full advantage of it]]. Though of course, you never know when a [[TechnicalPacifist semi-pacifist hero]] will snap and [[SubvertedTrope make an exception for me]].

# An accountant and / or purser is never a bad idea.

# I will avoid wearing a mask if at all feasible unless [[MaskPower it makes me more powerful]] or if I [[TheFaceless need to hide my identity]]. I may also wear a mask to conceal my disfigurement. However, I will do this only if it is a legitimately gruesome disfigurement, and not just a few scratches [[MinorInjuryOverreaction on one cheek]].
# If I need to hide my identity with a mask, then that mask will, through either technology or magic (or [[{{Magitek}} both]]), at the very least change my voice. Other functions should include a breath mask and protection from bullets.
# If I must wear a mask, I will try to make it something that is not sinister in some manner. Things such as skulls, demons, etc. tend to unsettle subordinates, lower morale and [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience make myself a more obvious target for assassination attempts]]. If I must wear such a mask for whatever reason I will require all my minions to wear the same mask to confuse said possible assassin.

# [[PersonalAppearanceTropes Whist on the subject of my appearance,]] I will not look like Cesare from ''Film/TheCabinetOfDrCaligari''. [[LooksLikeCesare It never helps.]]
# If I ever find myself in a situation where I'm likely to cross the MoralEventHorizon, I will ensure that there are no witnesses or recordings of my involvement. [[VillainWithGoodPublicity My publicity ratings are important,]] and if I lose the support of my [[{{Fangirl}} audience]], I'm screwed.

# If it is necessary to deal with an enemy, PR be damned, but first, I will consult my advisers to make sure that it ''is'' necessary. It's important to keep both mine and my enemy's abilities in perspective.

# If I need Past Me to go time traveling with me in order to save the universe from a monster who is [[EvilerThanThou Eviler Than Us]], then I will bring a tranquilizer gun.
# If I obtain access to a TimeTravel Machine, I will just cut out the Hero entirely, go further into the past and set up a tidy little Kingdom using my SufficientlyAdvanced technology. The mudgrubbing peons will grovel, I will usher in a new age of prosperity with my Evil Science/Magic, and most importantly, prove to be an inspiration to my subjectively Past Self (to whom I will will the whole of my vast fortune). And I'll still bring the Tranquilizer Gun, just to be safe.
# If [[FinaglesLaw Finagle's Law]] has made an appearance at any point, then should I come across a time machine, I will torch it immediately and [[ScrewDestiny the author]] [[OffTheRails be damned.]]

# Under zero circumstances will I [[XylophoneGag hotwire – or encourage anyone else to hotwire – any musical instrument]] for the express purpose of disposing of TheHero. Neither MurphysLaw nor FinaglesLaw play favorites.

# If [[FinaglesLaw Finagle's Law]] has made an appearance at any point, than should I come across a time machine, I will torch it immediately and [[ScrewDestiny the author]] [[OffTheRails be damned.]]

# If I serve [[BiggerBad a God]] in a realm with multiple Gods and multiple alignments, my efforts will go towards advancing my Lord's plans and goals. [[VideoGame/RuneScape If this means aiding the other Gods with their insignificant problems, but an outcome from it could benefit my own interests, I will help them.]] Doubly so if the aid undermines another God's agenda. It will also mean they owe me a favor, which can be very beneficial when my Lord enacts his plan.

# Instead of attempting to take over the world starting with highly developed countries, I will start my world conquest in Southern Asia and Africa (or whatever Universe I happen to be stuck in's equivalent to an area that is poor, badly defended, and has little importance on the global market.)

# If the heroes send someone utterly ridiculous but that is capable of defeating any powerful villain ''because'' of it, i will send my most pathetic, clumsy minion against him. After all, if the RuleOfFunny is what allows such a being to come on the top, nothing is fairer than to exploit the ridiculousness of the situation and gave him a taste of his own medicine, pitching him against someone that's more silly than he is, leading to his defeat since it's '''funny''' that way!

# None of my Mooks will be wearing helmets in my presence. I will not hire a Mook that hides his/her face. Any Mook that refuses to take of their helmet will be shot immediately.

# If I DO have to time travel, and the time machine itself must remain in the present, I will not leave the device where the rebels can capture it, and use it to send back in time the man who will not only thwart my scheme, but also father the current rebel leader.

# If I serve [[BiggerBad a God]] in a realm with multiple Gods and multiple alignments, my efforts will go towards advancing my Lord's plans and goals. [[VideoGame/RuneScape If this means aiding the other Gods with their insignificant problems, but an outcome from it could benefit my own interests, I will help them.]] Doubly so if the aid undermines another Gods agenda. It will also mean they owe me a favor, which can be very beneficial when my Lord enacts his plan.

# If the heroes command the power of the natural elements, I will devise an armor [[NoSell immune or resistant to those elements]] or be capable of absorbing the power for my own use. If said armor drains the power of the heroes in the process, even better. I will also ensure that I am the only one who can wear the armor, and that it won't [[ExplosiveOverclocking selfdestruct if it absorbs an excess of energy.]]

# While [[ZergRush launching all my forces at a 'defenseless' planet]] can be an effective means of conquering it, it can leave the inhabitants resorting to more [[GodzillaThreshold '''drastic''']] measures. Hence, if I am expanding my empire and come across a new inhabited planet, I will deploy small scale skirmishes to test the local defences, while simultaneously learning about the planet's culture and philosophies. I will also ensure that my navy is outfitted with defenses against potential weapons the natives may use against me.

# If I find myself in the situation of [[EvilOverlordListCellblockA Rule 154]], I will let the Hero rescue me. But then I will consider [[EvilOverlordList Rule 68]] before following up according to [[EvilOverlordListCellblockA Rule 154]].

# None of my Mooks will be wearing helmets in my presence. I will not hire a Mook that hides his/her face. Any Mook that refuses to take of their helmet will be shot immanently.

# [[WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime I will not pull the plug on a group of genetically-engineered super-soldiers]] just because the first one turned out [[ItCanThink smarter]] [[GoneHorriblyRight than I expected]], especially if it means killing a batch that's already half-finished. The prototype likely won't appereciate me scrapping his bretheren just because I got cold feet, will inevitably find out (some idiot always talks), and could express his displeasure in some VERY counterproductive ways.]]

# If for any insane reason, I plan to [[Film/TheIncredibles stage a dramatic appearance and defeat a]] HumongousMecha, I will make sure I (''[[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou and only I]]'') can actually beat it first and that the [[AIIsACrapshoot AI won't immediately regard me as a threat and]] [[CurbStompBattle curb stomp me.]] Or better yet, kill that pesky AI altogether and hand control of the mecha over to a competent mook stationed far, ''far'' away from the action.

# However, if I meet TheHero in a place where neither of us can harm the other, [[TheLegendOfKorra e.g. the Spirit Realm]], I will covertly tell my minions to go to their location and capture their physical body, while I distract them by talking about my beliefs/ how my day is going/ my TragicBackstory. If any seeds of doubt can be sown into their mind, it will give me yet another advantage should things go pear-shaped.

# I will not pass off my opponents as all {{Card Carrying Villain}}s or otherwise AlwaysChaoticEvil. Instead, I will paint them as well-meaning but misguided. That's easier for the public to swallow.