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You're supposed to use their described combat tactics, if possible. Only if the players completely invalidate those tactics can you do otherwise.
As an example of why, there's an old tier 1-7 adventure where one of the fights at subtier 1-2 is against a level 3 cleric with a zombie. The tactics specifically say that the cleric only uses negative channeling to heal the zombie, not as an offensive weapon against the PCs.
A smart GM would realize that channeling negative against the PCs is actually the smartist tactic that cleric could use, but it would also result in a quick TPK pretty much every time against level 1 PCs. So you're required to use the dumbed down tactics listed in the scenario and have the cleric fight stupidly in order to keep the fight easy enough for the PCs to win.
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You're supposed to use their described combat tactics, if possible. Only if the players completely invalidate those tactics can you do otherwise.
As an example of why, there's an old tier 1-7 adventure where one of the fights at subtier 1-2 is against a level 3 cleric with a zombie. The tactics specifically say that the cleric only uses negative channeling to heal the zombie, not as an offensive weapon against the PCs.
A smart GM would realize that channeling negative against the PCs is actually the smartist tactic that cleric could use, but it would also result in a quick TPK pretty much every time against level 1 PCs. So you're required to use the dumbed down tactics listed in the scenario and have the cleric fight stupidly in order to keep the fight easy enough for the PCs to win.
If that is the scenario I think it is, you need to re-read the tactics. The tactics allow the Cleric to either heal her zombie, OR channel to harm living, whichever seems more appropriate at the time.
Tactics: Luscilia lets her zombies do the brunt of the fighting and uses her Channel Energy ability frequently, choosing to either harm the PCs or heal her zombie depending on where it will do the most good. She hits the strongest melee fighter as soon as the battle starts with blindness/deafness (which causes blindness only) and attempts to use cause fear to scare anyone else away from her. She only fights in melee if she has to.
The only reason half the party was left was because they finally managed to hit her with enough damage to activate her retreat under the morale section.
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There's a number of Scenarios where the enemies could easily overwhelm the party if they use all of their abilities instead of following their tactics (mostly casters, especially Clerics with Channel Negative Energy.)
What "invalidates" an NPC's tactics is a subject of table variation, but keep in mind that the idea behind the tactics is to provide a somewhat consistent experience for players. Although there have been a few times that I've done a "<shakefist> Tactics!" while GMing PFS, I much prefer it to an environment where tactically ruthless GMs greatly increase the difficulty of encounters.
Also, make sure to note Morale. Enemies that run or use potions at a certain point are typically less difficult than suicidally focused ones.
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The quote as i remembered it was
Actor "Whats my motivation mr Deville?"
Director: "Scale"
Which gets really interesting with the economics of buying mooks and adventuring. One adventure had someone holding an important hostage for... 50 gold. My second level character ducked into the kangaroos pouch, took out 100 gold pieces and tossed it to him. "Have a nice day, thank you for your help, we'll take it from here"
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The quote as i remembered it was
Actor "Whats my motivation mr Deville?"
Director: "Scale"
Which gets really interesting with the economics of buying mooks and adventuring. One adventure had someone holding an important hostage for... 50 gold. My second level character ducked into the kangaroos pouch, took out 100 gold pieces and tossed it to him. "Have a nice day, thank you for your help, we'll take it from here"
I remember being in a similar situation ... once the value of the hostage was discovered, we blinked and three players each offered to pay it. It was a very "Doctor Evil / ONE MILLION DOLLARS!" moment. ;)
