a lawful evil villain methodically takes what she wants within the limits of her code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. she cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. she plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. she is comfortable in a hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. she condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank. she is loath to break laws or promises. this reluctance comes partly from her nature and partly because she depends on order to protect herself from those who oppose her 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 best alignment you can be because it combines honor and dedicated self-interest. however, lawful evil can be a dangerous alignment because it represents methodical, intentional, and frequently successful evil.