A lawful evil villain methodically takes what he wants within the limits of
his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. He cares about
tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He
plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. He is comfortable in a
hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. He condemns others
not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or
social rank. He is loath to break laws or promises.
This reluctance comes partly from his nature and partly because he depends on
order to protect himself from those who oppose him on moral grounds. Some
lawful evil villains have particular taboos, such as not killing in cold
blood (but having underlings do it) or not letting children come to harm (if
it can be helped). They imagine that these compunctions put them above
unprincipled villains.
Some lawful evil people and creatures commit themselves to evil with a zeal
like that of a crusader committed to good. Beyond being willing to hurt others
for their own ends, they take pleasure in spreading evil as an end unto itself.
They may also see doing evil as part of a duty to an evil deity or master.
Lawful evil is sometimes called "diabolical," because devils are the epitome of
lawful evil.
Lawful evil is the most dangerous alignment because it represents methodical,
intentional, and frequently successful evil.