I have observed many trials the last few days, and have noticed that in many such trials the magistrate, after handing down a sentence of death, offered the accused a choice between hanging or the mercy of the final blade. I know not at which foolish advisor's urging the Queen's magistrates became convinced that the Queen would have supported such a policy, but the consequences of such a rule are dire.

Firstly, many ignorant men, believing themselves falsely to be Good, have elected to die by hanging, and so are damned to Hell or consigned to the Abyss. In this way the forces of Evil gain another soldier, and the fight for Goodness becomes ever harder. Why should wicked men be permitted to set themselves permanently at war against us? Such 'freedom' is more fitting for anarchic Galt than for any Lawful or Good country.

Secondly, if some vile criminal manages to escape the clutches of the Lower Planes, he ought not be rewarded for his depravity. For to send a man to Axis is no punishment at all, let alone to the Upper Planes. Even the Maelstorm may be pleasing to some anarchic criminals. Murderers and arsonists ought not become soldiers of the lower planes, but nor ought they enjoy the blessings of the upper planes.

For the good of Cheliax, and of all good kingdoms which do not seek to empower the lower planes, this practice should be ended at once. All criminals condemned to execution ought receive the mercy of the final blade, with no exceptions.