My PC's are venturing through Oblivion, and when they ran across Aszithef and Khetru, I was unable to provoke them into a fight. They did, however, walk away without paying the tribute to Coalfire, but with a pseudo-promise for servitude in the future.
Of course, then Thifirane nearly managed to eliminate the party with good tactics, but only succeeded in sending the tank to another plane. But as they regroup, it gives me a chance to come up with plans for how the Flamewardens will use them. I welcome any ideas.
My PC's are venturing through Oblivion, and when they ran across Aszithef and Khetru, I was unable to provoke them into a fight. They did, however, walk away without paying the tribute to Coalfire, but with a pseudo-promise for servitude in the future.
Of course, then Thifirane nearly managed to eliminate the party with good tactics, but only succeeded in sending the tank to another plane. But as they regroup, it gives me a chance to come up with plans for how the Flamewardens will use them. I welcome any ideas.
My idea...you got soft on them and let them get away.
Since my group is taking on the Nessian warhounds tonight and will likely face Aszithef and Khetru either this week or next, I've recently read this particular section of the adventure. The adventure text for that room clearly states that Aszithef and Khetru will "deliberately frustrate the characters at every turn, hoping to provoke them into a fight", meaning that whatever terms the party was begging to offer should've been refused outright; essentially, anything short of paying tribute and backing out humbly should've been treated as offensive and met with threats of violence.
To compensate, I would suggest that whatever terms the party made with Aszithef and Khetru be revoked, once they call the party back to settle their accounts; have them "change their minds" about the deal and have them double their asked tribute, then have them be insulted as the party protests - then you'll get the encounter that's written.
Of course, if these guys will TPK the party, then you can set Aszithef and Khetru up as long term villains by having them be the proverbial 'loan shark' monkeys on their back - until they're strong enough to stand up to them...
My 2 cents,
M