Not meaning to toot my own horn, but if you want to see the module in action, I've spent the last year running it in Play-by-Post format on these forums (seen here). I've found the module quite good in overall storyline, but a bit lacking in detail, so most of my effort in running it went into fleshing out NPCs and relationships to make things richer. My two biggest sources of fodder for that were the trade caravans the module mentions and my PCs' own backgrounds and goals - it's a module that can definitely reward characters who have made themselves a part of the larger world.
The only lore bit that may need adjusting is Korvosa's monarch that puts out the call to arms. The module pronounces settlement in the name of King Arabasti, but the Curse of the Crimson Throne adventure path has much to do with discussing King Eodred and his fortunes. If your group's played through Curse, you'll either need to adjust the announcement or make it clear that events are occurring before those of Curse.
As one of the players in that group I can say that this module is lots of fun to play. Now I shall begin my wall of text.
One thing to maybe familiarize yourself with be travel time. This game has included a lot of outside travel for us and depending on what your group decided to do they could end up all over the Vale. Oh and our GM has utilized the downtime rules. Not sure if it is in the game but it has helped. We have one player who trained scouts in this time. I was responsible and spent my free time making a pen to play with baby Owlbears :) Others spent their time getting to know the locals.
Beyond that is taking the time to flesh out the NPC's. This module seems to be fairly dependent on the players becoming attached to the Vale and its inhabitants. The more friends they have the more they will be willing to suffer for this place and the more attached you make a player the more they are willing to plan.
I love the Hag idea you have?! I love hags... I promise that I do not mean that in a weird way. You should totally try to get one of the players either romantically involved, if your group is ok with that in their game, or at least very attached to one or both of the Changelings. Punch them in the feels! It is a glorious feeling!.. Well it is for me. That is how I run. Feels punching!
The game does offer a chance of 'gold, titles and land'. The amounts I assume would be dependent on what the player manage to do and how little they fail at their quest. A potentially fun thing would be to utilize the downtime rules at the end of the module and let them flesh out their holdings and play with that a little. Regardless of it they have a small hamlet, a simple farm, live in the fort, or something else. This would further solidify them in the place and they get one last chance to defend it if you want.
Make sure the players make character that want to do this. The did not happen in the S&S game I am in and the GM is struggling.
I hope that helps!
DAA
I ran the module The Crucible of Freya...now the players are going through a schmooshed version of the Conquest of the Bloodsworn Vale and The Vault of Larin Karr, while the Tsathar are amassing for their work in the Stoneheart Dungeon.
The Rose King can be a bit of a bastard. I ran him like someone who doesn't regard the characters with any respect. They are traipsing through his domain and by jove, they are going to learn he has authority. I use him and his minions as reasons why the players can't go out of the vale, he's blocking it.
Let's see how they do.
As far as the Rose King goes, I suggest making good use of his suggestion ability - "sit down and join our feast" is a nice, harmless command with unforeseeable results (both mechanics-wise and story-wise). ;)