I use save or suck and save or die. I have specific foes within the story to be faced. Such as a medusa who was using her abilities to back up the "biggest" orc so he could lead all the tribes. The players had to remove the orc and bring the medusa alive to a third party alive. Mission accomplished and the coalition broke up due to infighting.
There is also giving to the players what they give to their opponents. The thieves that want to one shot sneak attack the rival guild members can expect the rival guild to be trying the same to them if they do not take care.
When going at the final fiend, everything goes. Three of my players have decided that they want to go after two dragons in order to kill them and steal their eggs. Mom and dad Puffenstuff will show no mercy.
There is also giving to the players what they give to their opponents. The thieves that want to one shot sneak attack the rival guild members can expect the rival guild to be trying the same to them if they do not take care.
When going at the final fiend, everything goes. Three of my players have decided that they want to go after two dragons in order to kill them and steal their eggs. Mom and dad Puffenstuff will show no mercy.