Neutral Evil

Neutral Evil is one of the Nine Alignments, focusing on "Evil" (malevolent intentions, being oriented towards the Dark Side, etc.), both a game mechanic, and an actual concept within the universe of the franchise itself.

Description
Neutral Evil characters are dedicated to themselves, their own needs and agendas. They are ruthless, they know no mercy or pity. However, unlike Lawful Evil characters, they harbor no delusions about laws and personal taboos making them somehow "noble". They may pay lip service to law and tradition if it benefits them, but when it does not, they are very quick to throw them away. They kill when necessary, steal when necessary, and even torture people for pleasure, but unlike Chaotic Evil characters, they tend to be more pragmatic, and know when to pleasure comfort in the present for profit in the future. As pragmatists, they also know that reputation isn't everything, and happily laugh at their Lawful Evil counterpart, as they make profits at the expense of their own reputation, knowing that in the end, they will have grown more powerful, while their more careful counterparts are just wasting their time.

While they have zero respect for the law, unlike Chaotic Evil characters, they do not seek to dismantle a lawful and civilized society just for the sake of it, if they can subvert its laws for their own benefit, or if they make a valuable ally. Nevertheless, it cannot be overstated, that unlike Lawful Evil characters, Neutral Evil chacters do not feel bound to the laws of the land, and only follow them when it suits them. They will kill in broad daylight, if it benefits them in the end - but they may also rat out their own partners to the law if it benefits them in the end.

A lot of succesful vilains are Neutral Evil, because of their ability to pragmatically decide when it's worth paying lip service to the law, and when it's time to show their true colours and act openly.

Observance
The Neutral Evil alignment is the most common amongst those vilains who work alone, or need not to fear the laws: such as power-hungry tyrants. It also tends to be common amongst necromancers (especially those who live outside of Keldorn), liches, assassins, headhunters and dark magicians.