As writen in SCAP, there are some datails about Kaurophon story and actions that don't really fit in.
1) Kaurophon has only a little chance of defeating the PCs in the Test of Sacrifice and become the Ruler of Occipitus, even with wounded and tired PCs against a fully ready Kaurophon.
2) Kaurophon Int of 14 means that he know his weakness in respect of the PCs, especially after spending some time fighting along them, so his attack seems really disperate (and maybe this is the answer).
3) Kaurophon goals (become the Ruler of Occipitus) contrast with Cagewrights goals (freeing Adimarchus) that he knows or suspect at least.
Points 1) and 2) may be solved by boosting K with some group-defeating spell or single-use magic items (like scrolls or a ring of spell storing with power world, unholy world or something similar).
Or maybe Kaurophon will not attack PCs at all (this is the option I like more).
Point 3): K can bargain his knowledge of Cagewright locations (maybe he only wisit the Shatterhorn and can describe it to PCs, but he don't knows the location of the Fiery Sanctum) and plans for the right to rule over Occipitus. PCs have to help him to come through the three Tests and, thanks to Saureya flaw in the Test, he become the Ruler. Or, as PCs have to spend their time saving Cauldron for another six chapters, K may rule for them. Oe K may settle for staying in Occipitus and ruling from behind the scenes as the Ruler PC right-hand.
Any ideas?
I'm pretty sure this concern has been raised before but I don't remeber what folks discussed. I'd be interested to hear people's theories. I look for any and all suggestions I can get.
Since my Shackled City game has only just reached the Malachite Fortress I'm a little ways off from being concerned with Kaurophon and events on Occipitus.
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In my game, K actually had quite the upper hand. This was helped by there only being three PCs and no wizard at that point, but he had invisibility up and was flying out of range for the most part. The party won because the fighter decided to leap into the fount, thinking to deny whatever it was he wanted. I decided the action infuriated K beyond good sense, and he was handled pretty quickly after that. So I don't think it's entirely out of line for him to go after the party. You situation may vary.
Kaurophon didn't know what it took to succeed the last challenge until it was revealed to him and the PCs. I think. It's been a while since I read that part.