I don't think we've ever seen her to have any skills with a sword, or any other weapon besides her dragons. Drogon is her weapon, she is the executioner.

That was not my question.

What I meant: if she performed the execution herself - not by Drogon or anyone else, no matter by what method - would it be better or worse for her reputation?

Right, I didn't realize I didn't actually answer your question, sorry.

The effect would have been the same had she executed them in a way customary to Westeros (beheading, hanging, etc). They would see that she meant business and she's not to be crossed.

But, for years people have been hearing the stories about the Mad King burning people alive. To see that same thing demonstrated by his daughter (though very different circumstances) can affirm people's beliefs that the Targaryen's have a tendency to go crazy. The people of Essos follow her because they chose her as their queen. The people of Westeros are simply going to fear her. Beheading would have been better for her PR.

Of course, this is just my opinion. What do you think?

@luthien said:

But, for years people have been hearing the stories about the Mad King burning people alive. To see that same thing demonstrated by his daughter (though very different circumstances) can affirm people's beliefs that the Targaryen's have a tendency to go crazy. The people of Essos follow her because they chose her as their queen. The people of Westeros are simply going to fear her. Beheading would have been better for her PR.

Completely agree. She sure is doing her part in shadowing her crazy father. She conquered in Essos by creating free men. She conquers in Westeros by creating fear in free men. The game is different in Westeros and she is not playing it right.

I think if she beheaded instead of roasted it might make a difference in how people view her. They surely wouldn't be so quick to compare her to her father. However, I'm not sure this would change the fact that she would be ruling through fear instead of instilling true loyalty.

I think Ned's point was that if the judge has to do the dirty work of execution himself, he would rarely pass death sentences. Unfortunately Danny is used to executing people; it doesn't seem to bother her.