Heroes III · Hero catalogue: skills and specialties

Castle · Knight

Orrin

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

An Archery specialist for several shooting lines

Orrin has Basic Leadership and Basic Archery and specializes in Archery. His plan supports actual army shooting; unlike Valeska’s creature specialty, it does not automatically grant Marksmen +1 Speed.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Archery

Specializes in Archery. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Archery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Archery · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

BlessTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.
Bow of Elven CherrywoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: With learned Archery: +5 percentage points.
For established Archery; compare its effect with Golden Bow’s penalty removal.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Marksman
- Example in a tactical plan
Monk
- Example in a tactical plan
Zealot
- Example in a tactical plan
Griffin
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Orrin: build around usable ranged actions

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Compare Archery with a creature specialty
Orrin specializes in Archery rather than just one recruitment line. When comparing him with Valeska, consider actual shooter types and numbers, hero levels and the specific creature specialty’s benefit. Their combat thresholds are not interchangeable.
Turn construction into shooters in the army
Marksmen need an upgraded dwelling, recruitment and firing space. Monks or Zealots are further investments with their own costs. Do not rush several shooter buildings without gold for creatures and screens; an empty dwelling does not strengthen Orrin’s next fight.
Establish magical support before using it
Bless and Haste are acquisition options rather than Orrin’s established starting spells. Check spellbook, knowledge and mana. Judge Bless by damage range and shots actually made; judge Haste by changed reach and order rather than treating it as additional Archery.
Equipment must address a concrete limit
Golden Bow removes ordinary distance and wall penalties; Bow of Elven Cherrywood supports learned Archery. If opponents immediately engage the shooters, first address space and Griffin screening. A larger shooting bonus cannot help without an actual shot.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Bless (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Golden Bow
Bow of Elven Cherrywood
For established Archery; compare its effect with Golden Bow’s penalty removal.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Valeska

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Shooting army · Archer and upgrades

Valeska suits the Archer / Marksman line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Archer

Focuses on Archer. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Archery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Archery · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Archer
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Marksman
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
ArcherBase: 6/3/4	8 (+2)	4 (+1)	5 (+1)
MarksmanBase: 6/3/6	8 (+2)	4 (+1)	7 (+1)

Archer: next Attack or Defense change at level 14.
Marksman: next Attack or Defense change at level 14.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Valeska: two shooter forms and specialty growth

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Connect the specialty with actual skills
Valeska lists Basic Leadership and Basic Archery and specializes in the Archer / Marksman line. Choose her when this line provides an important part of the shooting. The reference start assigns no spell; do not replace that with an already prepared Bless or another spellbook entry. Secure shooter reinforcements and safe positions before further unconditional investment.
Read growth within the specific reference
The linked pinned VCMI calculation gives a level-ten Archer Attack eight, Defense four and Speed five. The same comparison gives a Marksman Attack eight, Defense four and Speed seven. This modifies the creatures’ own bases separately from hero attributes, equipment and spells. It is not an independent original Complete/SoD measurement or an automatic rule for another mod.
Double shooting is not double melee attacking
Ten Archers have 20–30 base damage for one hit. Ten Marksmen have the same single-hit base, but their extra attack applies to shooting; two usable shots therefore total 40–60 before further modifiers. Do not count on that second shot when blocked into melee. Evaluate range, obstacles, defense and other modifiers for the actual target.
Compare scaling with the line’s role in the whole army
Before a larger purchase, compare new shooters, recruitment access and how many further actions you can secure for them. This reference’s Speed bonus is a separate constant +1; another level does not automatically add another Speed point. If Archers / Marksmen become a minor part of the army, reassess whether a commander better suited to the new composition should lead.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Change level in the specialty reference comparison · Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Edric

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Melee army · Griffin and upgrades

Edric suits the Griffin / Royal Griffin line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Griffin

Focuses on Griffin. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Armorer

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Griffin
- Sourced specialty target
Royal Griffin
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
GriffinBase: 8/8/6	10 (+2)	10 (+2)	7 (+1)
Royal GriffinBase: 9/9/9	11 (+2)	11 (+2)	10 (+1)

Griffin: next Attack or Defense change at level 18.
Royal Griffin: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Sylvia

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Scouting and reinforcement transport

Use movement and scouting first: open a safe route, reach an important objective and shorten reinforcement travel. Check the assigned army before fighting.

Secondary role: Main commander if movement is supported by skills suited to the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Navigation

Specializes in sea movement with Navigation. This benefit does not apply on a landlocked map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Navigation

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Navigation · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Lord Haart

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Estates

Specializes in Estates. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Estates

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Estates · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Sorsha

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Melee army · Swordsman and upgrades

Sorsha suits the Swordsman / Crusader line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Swordsman

Focuses on Swordsman. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Swordsman
- Sourced specialty target
Crusader
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
SwordsmanBase: 10/12/5	11 (+1)	14 (+2)	6 (+1)
CrusaderBase: 12/12/6	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	7 (+1)

Swordsman: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Crusader: next Attack or Defense change at level 16.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Christian

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Ballista specialist

This hero makes sense with an acquired Ballista and a plan to keep it operational. Check Artillery, hero attributes and purchase availability on the map. The specialty alone does not confirm starting ownership.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ballista

Focuses on Ballista. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Artillery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Leadership · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Ballista rules and purchase →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sourced war-machine specialty: Ballista. Its equipment card explains rules, cost and the dedicated slot. The specialty alone does not confirm ownership.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Tyris

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Melee army · Cavalier and upgrades

Tyris suits the Cavalier / Champion line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Cavalier

Focuses on Cavalier. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Cavalier
- Sourced specialty target
Champion
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
CavalierBase: 15/15/7	16 (+1)	16 (+1)	8 (+1)
ChampionBase: 16/16/9	17 (+1)	17 (+1)	10 (+1)

Cavalier: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Champion: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Rion

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · First Aid

Specializes in First Aid. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic First Aid

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic First Aid. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Adela

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

A Bless specialist for a numerous living army

Adela has Basic Wisdom, Basic Diplomacy and Bless. Her specialty depends on Bless affecting eligible stacks; it is neither a permanent unconditional army bonus nor guaranteed neutral joining.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Bless

Bless additionally improves damage, depending on hero level and the target stack’s tier.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Diplomacy

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Diplomacy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

BlessSourced starting spell
Prefer a large stack with a wide damage range. Higher mastery can also help a fixed-damage creature through the additional maximum-damage point.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

BlessSourced starting spellSpell specialty
HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For ordinary duration through Spell Power, rather than automatically obtaining Expert Bless.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Marksman
- Example in a tactical plan
Pikeman
- Example in a tactical plan
Halberdier
- Example in a tactical plan
Cavalier
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Adela: Bless on the right stack at the right time

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Verify an eligible Bless target first
Bless is an established starting spell. Compare creature count, base damage range and remaining actions. Adela’s specialty requires the relevant effect; do not credit it identically to a stack that lacks Bless or is ineligible for the ordinary spell.
Bless must precede a usable hit
Marksmen can benefit through further shots and Halberdiers through prepared contact. Before casting, check whether the recipient can still attack and survives until that action. Spell Power affects ordinary duration, while Water Magic mastery changes Bless’s actual form.
Diplomacy does not replace a budget
Basic Diplomacy offers another map option but does not guarantee that every guard joins. Prepare gold, army space and a role for new creatures before negotiating. Plan town reinforcements around actual availability instead of assuming a neutral gift.
Do not read Power as Bless’s direct percentage
Breastplate of Petrified Wood adds Spell Power; Charm of Mana daily recovery. More Power alone grants neither higher Water Magic mastery nor a new direct specialty percentage. Acquire Haste separately if the army needs different reach or timing.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Bless (sourced start) · Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Breastplate of Petrified Wood
For ordinary duration through Spell Power, rather than automatically obtaining Expert Bless.
Charm of Mana

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Cuthbert

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Weakness

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Estates

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Estates · Basic Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

WeaknessSourced starting spell
Weaken a physical threat before several attacks or retaliations. If one immediate strike decides the battle, compare disabling the target entirely.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

WeaknessSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Adelaide

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Frost Ring

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Wisdom

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Frost RingSourced starting spell
Choose a center that catches several enemies while sparing allies. Assess both occupied hexes of every large stack.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Frost RingSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Ingham

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Shooting army · Monk and upgrades

Ingham suits the Monk / Zealot line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Monk

Focuses on Monk. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Mysticism

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Mysticism. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

CurseSourced starting spell
Target a wide damage range and verify eligibility. For exact predictions in an original release, account for the explicitly identified reference difference.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

CurseSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Monk
- Sourced specialty target
Zealot
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
MonkBase: 12/7/5	14 (+2)	8 (+1)	6 (+1)
ZealotBase: 12/10/7	14 (+2)	11 (+1)	8 (+1)

Monk: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Zealot: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Sanya

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Eagle Eye

Specializes in Eagle Eye. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

DispelSourced starting spell
Before a mass cast, account for buffs and debuffs removed on both sides. To remove only friendly harmful effects, compare Cure.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

DispelSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Loynis

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Prayer

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Learning

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Learning. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

PrayerSourced starting spell
Use it before a coordinated physical engagement. If you need only Speed, compare cheaper Haste: Expert grants +5 Speed versus Prayer’s +4.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

PrayerSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Cleric

Caitlin

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

CureSourced starting spell
Use it to restore a key stack’s effectiveness after a harmful effect. For fallen living creatures compare Resurrection, and for undead compare Animate Dead.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

CureSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Mephala

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Commander focused on army survival

Useful when reducing losses from physical hits matters. Before recruiting, identify which friendly stacks must survive the most attacks. Check spell defenses separately.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Armorer

Specializes in Armorer. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Armorer

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Ufretin

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Melee army · Dwarf and upgrades

Ufretin suits the Dwarf / Battle Dwarf line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Dwarf

Focuses on Dwarf. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Luck
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Luck · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Dwarf
- Sourced specialty target
Battle Dwarf
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
DwarfBase: 6/7/3	8 (+2)	9 (+2)	4 (+1)
Battle DwarfBase: 7/7/5	9 (+2)	9 (+2)	6 (+1)

Dwarf: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Battle Dwarf: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Jenova

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Income with a developed shooting start

Jenova combines +350 daily gold with Advanced Archery. She can deliver reinforcements or lead shooters; compare income with recruitment cost and actual combat development.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Archery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Archery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
For actual Elf shooting penalties; it changes neither daily income nor recruitment numbers.
Bow of Elven CherrywoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: With learned Archery: +5 percentage points.
Supports established Advanced Archery if Jenova remains a combat commander.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Wood Elf
- Example in a tactical plan
Grand Elf
- Example in a tactical plan
Centaur Captain
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Jenova: daily income and a usable shooting army

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Count income over the remaining game
The specialty adds 350 gold daily rather than an immediate recruitment payment. Seven actual daily receipts yield 2450 gold. Keep hiring cost and the opportunity lost by delaying troops or construction separate from that total.
Use Advanced Archery on actual shots
Jenova is more than an income carrier: her listed start includes Advanced Archery. With Grand Elves, evaluate combat leadership too. The ranged bonus requires a target and firing space; Centaurs can help keep enemies away from shooters.
Do not spend the Elf budget on construction alone
Grand Elves require separate dwelling, upgrade and recruitment budgets. Daily income helps fund later reinforcements but cannot replace today’s missing troops before tomorrow’s payment. Plan the expedition around current numbers and reachable safe objectives.
Equip for the role she actually keeps
If Jenova still fights with shooters, compare Golden Bow with support for learned Archery. If she safely delivers reinforcements, the main commander may use valuable combat gear better. Include the lost ranged bonus when transferring her army.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Golden Bow
For actual Elf shooting penalties; it changes neither daily income nor recruitment numbers.
Bow of Elven Cherrywood
Supports established Advanced Archery if Jenova remains a combat commander.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Ryland

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Melee army · Dendroid Guard and upgrades

Ryland suits the Dendroid Guard / Dendroid Soldier line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Dendroid Guard

Focuses on Dendroid Guard. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Diplomacy
Basic Leadership

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Diplomacy · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Dendroid Guard
- Sourced specialty target
Dendroid Soldier
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Dendroid GuardBase: 9/12/3	10 (+1)	14 (+2)	4 (+1)
Dendroid SoldierBase: 9/12/4	10 (+1)	14 (+2)	5 (+1)

Dendroid Guard: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Dendroid Soldier: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Thorgrim

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Commander facing enemy spellcasting

Choose this hero when facing hostile magic. Deployment and protection must still work when resistance fails. Use the Resistance rules for this game version.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Resistance

Specializes in Resistance. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Ivor

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Rampart with genuinely protected Elf shooting

Choose Ivor when the Elf shooting line carries the army. Basic Archery supports shooting and Basic Offence supports melee attacks; keep those effects separate when assembling the force.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Wood Elf

Focuses on Wood Elf. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Archery
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Archery · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

BlessTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Bow of Elven CherrywoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: With learned Archery: +5 percentage points.
For the listed Archery and the main Elf shooting line.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
For a concrete distance or wall penalty relevant to the current plan.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Wood Elf
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Grand Elf
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan
Centaur Captain
- Example in a tactical plan
Dendroid Soldier
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Wood ElfBase: 9/5/6	11 (+2)	6 (+1)	7 (+1)
Grand ElfBase: 9/5/7	11 (+2)	6 (+1)	8 (+1)

Wood Elf: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Grand Elf: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Ivor: Grand Elves, screening and two different offensive skills

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

First secure supply and the Elf upgrade
Ivor specializes in Wood Elves and their normal upgrade and lists Basic Archery and Basic Offence. Compare building and recruiting Grand Elves with other dwellings. Double shooting belongs to Grand Elves; selecting this hero does not grant it to base Wood Elves.
The two skills do not support the same attack type
Separate Archery and Offence by actual troop actions. Centaurs and melee screens can exploit a different part of development from shooting Elves. If the force still has few shooters, compare further specialized investment with buying a larger usable stack.
The screen should preserve another full shot
Compare enemy approaches with Centaur reach, Dendroid roots and terrain. Do not let the screen close a needed firing route. Bless and Haste are acquisition options rather than Ivor’s established starting spellbook; actually obtain the support before relying on it.
Evaluate equipment against the battlefield
Bow of Elven Cherrywood builds on learned Archery. Golden Bow addresses a different limitation: ordinary distance and wall shooting penalties. Compare benefits with where the army will fight and screening losses; more offense items cannot create an action when no firing space remains.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Bless (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Bow of Elven Cherrywood
For the listed Archery and the main Elf shooting line.
Golden Bow
For a concrete distance or wall penalty relevant to the current plan.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Clancy

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Melee army · Unicorn and upgrades

Clancy suits the Unicorn / War Unicorn line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Unicorn

Focuses on Unicorn. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Pathfinding
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Pathfinding · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Unicorn
- Sourced specialty target
War Unicorn
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
UnicornBase: 15/14/7	16 (+1)	15 (+1)	8 (+1)
War UnicornBase: 15/14/9	16 (+1)	15 (+1)	10 (+1)

Unicorn: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
War Unicorn: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Kyrre

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

A Logistics commander with a shooting start

Kyrre has Basic Logistics, Basic Archery and a Logistics specialty. Use longer land travel for actual mines, supplies and reinforcements; it grants neither automatic victories nor creature Speed.

Secondary role: Main commander if movement is supported by skills suited to the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Logistics

Specializes in Logistics. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Archery
Basic Logistics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Logistics · Basic Archery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
Boots of SpeedSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily movement · land: +600.
For land travel alongside Logistics; battle Speed and Archery remain separate.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Grand Elf
- Example in a tactical plan
Centaur Captain
- Example in a tactical plan
Dendroid Soldier
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Kyrre: turn longer travel into safe gains

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Plan the objective and a safe stopping point
Before extending the expedition, identify the next reachable objective and a safe stopping point. Logistics affects map travel rather than Elf combat reach. A longer route through a guarded pass is not equivalent to safely capturing a mine or joining reinforcements in time.
Assess slow reinforcements before the new day
When taking Dendroid Soldiers, compare combat need with the traveling army’s speed. Actual composition when next-day movement is determined and terrain both matter. Leaving a screen behind only helps when the remaining force can safely handle planned fights.
Use Archery on the fast expedition too
Kyrre has established Basic Archery. Keep Grand Elves away from engagement and use Centaurs for actual screening or a suitable attack. Earlier map arrival does not guarantee the first useful shot in combat; check enemy reach and deployment before entering.
Boots do not replace ranged equipment
Boots of Speed support land-map travel; Golden Bow addresses ordinary shooting penalties. Choose for the next expedition bottleneck and compare transferring gear to another commander. More movement alone does not solve a guard that causes unacceptable losses.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Boots of Speed
For land travel alongside Logistics; battle Speed and Archery remain separate.
Golden Bow

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Coronius

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Slayer

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

SlayerSourced starting spell
Assign the buff to a stack that will actually attack an applicable target. Slayer may add nothing against another part of the enemy army.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

SlayerSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Uland

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Cure

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Wisdom
Basic Ballistics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Wisdom · Basic Ballistics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

CureSourced starting spell
Use it to restore a key stack’s effectiveness after a harmful effect. For fallen living creatures compare Resurrection, and for undead compare Animate Dead.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

CureSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Elleshar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Magic support built around the specialty

Use the larger mana capacity for a longer sequence of useful casts. Fill it before departure and budget several battles. More capacity does not acquire new spells.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Intelligence

Specializes in Intelligence. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

CurseSourced starting spell
Target a wide damage range and verify eligibility. For exact predictions in an original release, account for the explicitly identified reference difference.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

CurseSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Gem

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · First Aid

Specializes in First Aid. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic First Aid

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic First Aid. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Summon BoatSourced starting spell
Check whether relocating a boat disrupts another expedition. At lower mastery, allow for failure and your remaining mana.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Summon BoatSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Malcom

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Eagle Eye

Specializes in Eagle Eye. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Melodia

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Fortune

Fortune specialty with a fixed extra bonus. Check whether the target’s Luck can still increase.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Luck

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Luck. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

FortuneSourced starting spell
Buff troops expected to make several more attacks. When you must reliably prevent an immediate loss, compare control or defensive magic.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

FortuneSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Alagar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ice Bolt

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Sorcery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Ice BoltSourced starting spell
Choose according to your bonuses and target resistance. Against one stack, do not automatically pay for area Frost Ring unless it hits other valuable targets.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Ice BoltSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Druid

Aeris

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Melee army · Pegasus and upgrades

Aeris suits the Pegasus / Silver Pegasus line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Pegasus

Focuses on Pegasus. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Scouting

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Scouting. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Protection from AirSourced starting spell
Consider it against Lightning attacks when protection lets a key stack survive an expected hit. Check whether the opponent can switch to another magic type.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Protection from AirSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Pegasus
- Sourced specialty target
Silver Pegasus
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
PegasusBase: 9/8/8	10 (+1)	9 (+1)	9 (+1)
Silver PegasusBase: 9/10/12	10 (+1)	11 (+1)	13 (+1)

Pegasus: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Silver Pegasus: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Piquedram

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Melee army · Stone Gargoyle and upgrades

Piquedram suits the Stone Gargoyle / Obsidian Gargoyle line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Stone Gargoyle

Focuses on Stone Gargoyle. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Scouting
Basic Mysticism

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Scouting · Basic Mysticism. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ShieldSourced starting spell
Protect a stack expecting several attacks and retaliations. Compare direct losses prevented with additional Defense from Stone Skin.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ShieldSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Stone Gargoyle
- Sourced specialty target
Obsidian Gargoyle
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Stone GargoyleBase: 6/6/6	8 (+2)	8 (+2)	7 (+1)
Obsidian GargoyleBase: 7/7/9	9 (+2)	9 (+2)	10 (+1)

Stone Gargoyle: next Attack or Defense change at level 14.
Obsidian Gargoyle: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Thane

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Melee army · Genie and upgrades

Thane suits the Genie / Master Genie line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Genie

Focuses on Genie. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Genie
- Sourced specialty target
Master Genie
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
GenieBase: 12/12/7	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	8 (+1)
Master GenieBase: 12/12/11	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)

Genie: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.
Master Genie: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Josephine

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

A Golem specialist with established Haste

Josephine supports Stone and Iron Golems and lists Haste, Basic Mysticism and Basic Sorcery. Give Golems a reachable task; their spell-damage reduction is not complete immunity.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Stone Golem

Focuses on Stone Golem. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Mysticism
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Mysticism · Basic Sorcery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Necklace of SwiftnessSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Battle Speed: +1.
For a reachable Golem battle threshold; it replaces neither Haste nor map-travel boots.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Stone Golem
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Iron Golem
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan
Master Gremlin
- Example in a tactical plan
Mage
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Stone GolemBase: 7/10/3	9 (+2)	12 (+2)	4 (+1)
Iron GolemBase: 9/10/5	11 (+2)	12 (+2)	6 (+1)

Stone Golem: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Iron Golem: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Josephine: Golem screening and Haste

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Compare the base and upgraded forms
The specialty covers Stone and Iron Golems. The numerical table uses each form’s own base, so upgrading changes more than a name. Compare Attack, HP and Speed together with improved spell-damage reduction, upgrade cost and the Golems actually affordable.
Use Haste for a specific missing reach
Haste is established at the start. Check whether its new reach lets Golems screen shooters or make useful contact in time. Sorcery does not enlarge Haste’s numerical Speed increase; actual spell mastery determines that increase.
Resistance is not a free pass through every spell
Stone and Iron Golems have different spell-damage reductions in the reference. Remaining damage still exists, and protection does not restore lost creatures. Do not leave Master Gremlins exposed merely to send Golems toward another target.
Check equipment Speed against the next action
Necklace of Swiftness may change a battle threshold; Charm of Mana changes daily recovery. One addresses reach or order, the other a longer casting sequence. Before buying a costly new line, compare whether improving existing screens enables safe gains today.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Haste (sourced start)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Necklace of Swiftness
For a reachable Golem battle threshold; it replaces neither Haste nor map-travel boots.
Charm of Mana

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Neela

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Commander focused on army survival

Useful when reducing losses from physical hits matters. Before recruiting, identify which friendly stacks must survive the most attacks. Check spell defenses separately.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Armorer

Specializes in Armorer. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Scholar
Basic Armorer

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ShieldSourced starting spell
Protect a stack expecting several attacks and retaliations. Compare direct losses prevented with additional Defense from Stone Skin.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ShieldSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Torosar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Ballista specialist

This hero makes sense with an acquired Ballista and a plan to keep it operational. Check Artillery, hero attributes and purchase availability on the map. The specialty alone does not confirm starting ownership.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ballista

Focuses on Ballista. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Mysticism
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Mysticism. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Ballista rules and purchase →

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sourced war-machine specialty: Ballista. Its equipment card explains rules, cost and the dedicated slot. The specialty alone does not confirm ownership.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Fafner

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Melee army · Naga and upgrades

Fafner suits the Naga / Naga Queen line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Naga

Focuses on Naga. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Scholar
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Scholar · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Naga
- Sourced specialty target
Naga Queen
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
NagaBase: 16/13/5	17 (+1)	14 (+1)	6 (+1)
Naga QueenBase: 16/13/7	17 (+1)	14 (+1)	8 (+1)

Naga: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Naga Queen: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Rissa

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Mercury

Provides 1 Mercury daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Mysticism
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Mysticism · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Alchemist

Iona

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Melee army · Genie and upgrades

Iona suits the Genie / Master Genie line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Genie

Focuses on Genie. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Scholar
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Scholar · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Genie
- Sourced specialty target
Master Genie
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
GenieBase: 12/12/7	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	8 (+1)
Master GenieBase: 12/12/11	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)

Genie: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.
Master Genie: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Astral

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Hypnotize

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Wisdom

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

HypnotizeSourced starting spell
First reduce a strong stack’s health if it is just above the threshold. Prepare a useful action before taking control and consider enemy counterplay.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

HypnotizeSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Halon

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Magic support built around the specialty

Use mana recovery across a longer route between battles. Plan the days available for restoration and use the current reserve for the immediate fight.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Mysticism

Specializes in Mysticism. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Mysticism

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Mysticism. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Serena

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Eagle Eye

Specializes in Eagle Eye. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

DispelSourced starting spell
Before a mass cast, account for buffs and debuffs removed on both sides. To remove only friendly harmful effects, compare Cure.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

DispelSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Daremyth

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Fortune

Fortune specialty with a fixed extra bonus. It is separate from spell-damage scaling.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

FortuneSourced starting spell
Buff troops expected to make several more attacks. When you must reliably prevent an immediate loss, compare control or defensive magic.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

FortuneSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Theodorus

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Shooting army · Mage and upgrades

Theodorus suits the Mage / Arch Mage line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Mage

Focuses on Mage. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Ballistics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Ballistics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ShieldSourced starting spell
Protect a stack expecting several attacks and retaliations. Compare direct losses prevented with additional Defense from Stone Skin.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ShieldSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Mage
- Sourced specialty target
Arch Mage
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
MageBase: 11/8/5	13 (+2)	9 (+1)	6 (+1)
Arch MageBase: 12/9/7	14 (+2)	10 (+1)	8 (+1)

Mage: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Arch Mage: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Solmyr

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Offensive mage with Chain Lightning

I would choose Solmyr for magical pressure against several suitably positioned targets. Chain Lightning is his strength, but inspect subsequent jumps and remaining mana first. His listed Basic Wisdom and Sorcery do not automatically include Air Magic.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Chain Lightning

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Open the four-step plan below. It separates the actual reference start from spells and equipment that must still be acquired.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Sorcery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Chain LightningSourced starting spell
Assess the chain using both armies’ positions, rather than its first target alone. A cheaper Lightning Bolt can be safer when a jump would hit a valuable ally.
Lightning BoltTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
Kill or substantially weaken an imminent threat before its action. Against several nearby targets, compare the combined value of area magic.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

Chain LightningSourced starting spellSpell specialty
Lightning BoltTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Master Gremlin
- Example in a tactical plan
Stone Golem
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Solmyr: chain damage without losing your own plan

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

A powerful spell has an opportunity cost
Solmyr has sourced Chain Lightning and its specialty, but starts with Basic Wisdom and Basic Sorcery rather than automatically having Air Magic. Compare current mana with the spell card’s cost first. For example, paying the base cost of 24 from 30 mana leaves 6, which does not fund a second identical cast.
The first target is not the whole decision
Untrained and Basic chains hit up to four targets, with each subsequent hit using half the previous damage. Inspect nearby follow-up targets on both sides before moving your own army. Total damage is not four times the first hit, and the specialty does not give blanket friendly immunity.
Shooters must exploit the result
Keep Master Gremlins within safe shooting range and check the enemy’s approach around screening Golems. After casting, target a stack whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Spreading damage among several stacks that remain combat-ready may leave the incoming pressure intact.
When to change the plan
If Lightning Bolt has actually been learned, compare its cheaper focused hit against an isolated target or an unsafe next jump. Charm of Mana supports later days rather than instantly refilling this turn’s reserve. Spell Power equipment helps the applicable formula but does not repair poor positioning.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Chain Lightning (sourced start) · Lightning Bolt (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Cyra

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Haste

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Diplomacy

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Diplomacy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Aine

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

An economic Tower wizard

Aine adds +350 daily gold and lists Wisdom, Scholar and Curse. Income helps fund Tower’s expensive army; Scholar and the name alone do not establish additional learned spells.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

CurseSourced starting spell
Target a wide damage range and verify eligibility. For exact predictions in an original release, account for the explicitly identified reference difference.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

CurseSourced starting spell
HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For recovery between days, rather than an instant refill.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For effects using Spell Power; it does not automatically enlarge Curse’s percentage penalty.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Master Gremlin
- Example in a tactical plan
Stone Golem
- Example in a tactical plan
Mage
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Aine: fund Tower and use the actual spellbook

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Measure income against deferred recruitment
Aine contributes 350 gold per day. When hiring for income, compare remaining receipts with her cost and whether you can still buy the needed Master Gremlins today. Gold income does not replace wood, ore or rare resources required by the next building.
Curse is listed at the start; Haste is an option
Curse is a listed starting spell, whereas Haste remains an acquisition option in this plan. Scholar does not establish an arbitrary spellbook. For Curse, seek an eligible enemy with a meaningful damage range and check the reference difference on its card.
Keep slow screens from being bypassed
Stone Golems can screen shooters but their speed limits repositioning. If Haste is actually learned, choose its recipient by the action or space saved. Do not postpone a usable army solely because a later building promises Mages or Titans.
Separate daily mana from effect strength
Charm of Mana helps daily recovery and Breastplate of Petrified Wood supports Spell Power. Neither gives Aine a new learned spell. Before departure check current mana and repeated casting costs alongside recruitment gold and any additional commander.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Curse (sourced start) · Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Charm of Mana
For recovery between days, rather than an instant refill.
Breastplate of Petrified Wood
For effects using Spell Power; it does not automatically enlarge Curse’s percentage penalty.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Fiona

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Melee army · Hell Hound and upgrades

Fiona suits the Hell Hound / Cerberus line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Hell Hound

Focuses on Hell Hound. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Scouting

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Scouting. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Hell Hound
- Sourced specialty target
Cerberus
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Hell HoundBase: 10/6/7	12 (+2)	7 (+1)	8 (+1)
CerberusBase: 10/8/8	12 (+2)	10 (+2)	9 (+1)

Hell Hound: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Cerberus: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Rashka

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Melee army · Efreeti and upgrades

Rashka suits the Efreeti / Efreet Sultan line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Efreeti

Focuses on Efreeti. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Efreeti
- Sourced specialty target
Efreet Sultan
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
EfreetiBase: 16/12/9	17 (+1)	13 (+1)	10 (+1)
Efreet SultanBase: 16/14/13	17 (+1)	15 (+1)	14 (+1)

Efreeti: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Efreet Sultan: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Marius

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Melee army · Demon and upgrades

Marius suits the Demon / Horned Demon line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Demon

Focuses on Demon. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Armorer

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Armorer. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Demon
- Sourced specialty target
Horned Demon
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
DemonBase: 10/10/5	11 (+1)	11 (+1)	6 (+1)
Horned DemonBase: 10/10/6	11 (+1)	11 (+1)	7 (+1)

Demon: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Horned Demon: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Ignatius

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Melee army · Imp and upgrades

Ignatius suits the Imp / Familiar line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Imp

Focuses on Imp. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Tactics
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Imp
- Sourced specialty target
Familiar
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
ImpBase: 2/3/5	3 (+1)	5 (+2)	6 (+1)
FamiliarBase: 4/4/7	6 (+2)	6 (+2)	8 (+1)

Imp: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.
Familiar: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 1: 5 × floor(level / 1) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Octavia

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Income and an Inferno second army

Octavia brings +350 daily gold and Basic Offence. Decide between safe collection and delivery or her own melee combat. Scholar does not automatically provide a spellbook with prepared support.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Scholar
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Scholar · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
Boots of SpeedSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily movement · land: +600.
For land reinforcement travel, rather than creature Speed in battle.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Cerberus
- Example in a tactical plan
Gog
- Example in a tactical plan
Efreeti
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Octavia: economy, Offence and Inferno deliveries

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Income does not begin as a finished army
The sourced specialty provides 350 gold daily. Count hiring returns over actual remaining days and consider safe resource collection or reinforcement delivery. A dangerous battle for a small reward can erase the economic advantage.
Offence does not improve a Gog’s ordinary shot
Basic Offence supports the melee portion of the army. Do not confuse it with Archery when Octavia carries Gogs. Compare a usable retaliation-free Cerberus attack with shooter safety and future actions; daily gold is not a direct combat bonus.
Do not infer unknown magic from Scholar
The profile lists Basic Scholar rather than an established starting spell. For magical support, first check her spellbook, actual exchange or teaching and mana. Until then base her role on known skills and the troops actually assigned to her.
Assign boots and the axe by the job
Boots of Speed support land-map travel; Centaur Axe raises Attack. For deliveries, prioritize safe handover and return. For her own fighting, compare equipment value with another Cerberus and the risk of losing the entire income hero.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Centaur’s Axe
Boots of Speed
For land reinforcement travel, rather than creature Speed in battle.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Calh

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Inferno with a focused shooting line

Choose Calh when Gogs and Magogs provide an important share of damage. The upgrade changes not only stats but safe positioning of both armies because of the shot explosion.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gog

Focuses on Gog. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Archery
Basic Scouting

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Archery · Basic Scouting. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
For ordinary Gog shooting penalties; it does not remove friendly damage from a Magog explosion.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Gog
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Magog
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan
Cerberus
- Example in a tactical plan
Efreeti
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
GogBase: 6/4/4	8 (+2)	5 (+1)	5 (+1)
MagogBase: 7/4/6	9 (+2)	5 (+1)	7 (+1)

Gog: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Magog: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Calh: Gogs, Magogs and a safe area shot

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Use the actual specialized line
Calh’s specialty targets Gogs and their normal upgrade. Connect dwelling and upgrade choices with available shooter numbers and the fights your next expedition should unlock. A different main army can change this commander’s value, but account for already acquired development too.
A Magog’s main target is not the entire area
In Complete/SoD inspect the fire shot’s surroundings, including friendly creatures. Hitting the most valuable enemy can be worse than another target when it also damages your screen. Do not transfer HotA-specific rules or controls into this numerical and rules reference without labeling them.
Prepare the screen for the next shot
Cerberi can attack without retaliation while Efreeti provide flying pressure. Their destinations should not automatically become casualties of the next dangerous Magog blast. Before moving an attacker compare its safety, enemy reach and the shooter’s next action plan.
Separate ranged equipment from protection
Golden Bow addresses distance and wall penalties rather than friendly area damage. Shield of the Dwarven Lords supports army Defense but does not restore an engaged Gog’s shooting opportunity. Equip for the next fight’s actual bottleneck and reserve gold for more shooters.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Golden Bow
For ordinary Gog shooting penalties; it does not remove friendly damage from a Magog explosion.
Shield of the Dwarven Lords

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Pyre

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

A Ballista specialist with a Logistics start

Pyre has Basic Artillery, Basic Logistics and a Ballista specialty. Acquire the actual machine first; Heroes V Ballista rules and the ordinary weapon slot do not automatically apply.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ballista

Focuses on Ballista. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Artillery
Basic Logistics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Artillery · Basic Logistics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Ballista rules and purchase →

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
BallistaSuggestion
A shooting war machine scaling with Attack and supported by Artillery.
An actually acquired war machine for the listed specialty and Basic Artillery; it uses dedicated equipment placement.
Boots of SpeedSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily movement · land: +600.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sourced war-machine specialty: Ballista. Its equipment card explains rules, cost and the dedicated slot. The specialty alone does not confirm ownership.

Gog
- Example in a tactical plan
Cerberus
- Example in a tactical plan
Efreeti
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Pyre: an acquired Ballista, Artillery and safe travel

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Verify machine ownership and purchase first
A sourced Ballista specialty does not prove Pyre already owns one. Check the machine card for cost, purchase availability and its dedicated equipment placement. Town spending must still leave an army capable of facing the next guard alongside the machine.
Read Artillery and the specialty within Heroes III
Basic Artillery, hero attributes and the machine specialty are separate parts of the plan. Do not import arrow counts, HP or calculations from the Heroes V war-machine calculator. Compare the actual Ballista’s survival with expected enemy actions.
The army must handle combat beyond one machine shot
Protect Gogs from engagement and use Cerberi for reachable retaliation-free attacks. The Ballista supplements the actual army; do not rely on it to remove every target with certainty. Before a hard guard compare buying the machine with further available recruitment.
Use Logistics for an advantage that actually arrives
Basic Logistics helps land travel; Boots of Speed are an additional map-movement option. Plan purchase and arrival at the right objective but assess combat strength separately. A longer daily route does not automatically keep the Ballista alive.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Ballista
An actually acquired war machine for the listed specialty and Basic Artillery; it uses dedicated equipment placement.
Boots of Speed

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Nymus

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Melee army · Pit Fiend and upgrades

Nymus suits the Pit Fiend / Pit Lord line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Pit Fiend

Focuses on Pit Fiend. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Pit Fiend
- Sourced specialty target
Pit Lord
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Pit FiendBase: 13/13/6	15 (+2)	15 (+2)	7 (+1)
Pit LordBase: 13/13/7	15 (+2)	15 (+2)	8 (+1)

Pit Fiend: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.
Pit Lord: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Ayden

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Magic support built around the specialty

Use the larger mana capacity for a longer sequence of useful casts. Fill it before departure and budget several battles. More capacity does not acquire new spells.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Intelligence

Specializes in Intelligence. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

View EarthSourced starting spell
Use it before choosing collection routes and economic development. Distinguish a one-time pickup from continuing income from a captured mine.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

View EarthSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Xyron

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Inferno

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

InfernoSourced starting spell
Exploit an enemy spread too large for Fireball. Check both hexes of large friendly creatures before choosing the center.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

InfernoSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Axsis

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Magic support built around the specialty

Use mana recovery across a longer route between battles. Plan the days available for restoration and use the current reserve for the immediate fight.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Mysticism

Specializes in Mysticism. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Mysticism

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Mysticism. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Protection from AirSourced starting spell
Consider it against Lightning attacks when protection lets a key stack survive an expected hit. Check whether the opponent can switch to another magic type.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Protection from AirSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Olema

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Weakness

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Ballistics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Ballistics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

WeaknessSourced starting spell
Weaken a physical threat before several attacks or retaliations. If one immediate strike decides the battle, compare disabling the target entirely.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

WeaknessSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Calid

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Sulfur

Provides 1 Sulfur daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Learning

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Learning. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Ash

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Bloodlust

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

BloodlustSourced starting spell
Buff attackers before coordinated melee contact. If they will continue shooting, compare Precision.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

BloodlustSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Zydar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Magic support built around the specialty

Develop this hero for usable damaging spells. First check learned spells, valid targets and mana. Time the hit so the friendly army can exploit the enemy’s weakened state.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Sorcery

Specializes in Sorcery. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Sorcery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Heretic

Xarfax

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Fireball

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Leadership

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

FireballSourced starting spell
Hit nearby enemies before friendly creatures advance. Against one target, compare the cost with direct single-target magic.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

FireballSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Straker

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Melee army · Walking Dead and upgrades

Straker suits the Walking Dead / Zombie line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Walking Dead

Focuses on Walking Dead. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Walking Dead
- Sourced specialty target
Zombie
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Walking DeadBase: 5/5/3	7 (+2)	7 (+2)	4 (+1)
ZombieBase: 5/5/4	7 (+2)	7 (+2)	5 (+1)

Walking Dead: next Attack or Defense change at level 18.
Zombie: next Attack or Defense change at level 18.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Vokial

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Melee army · Vampire and upgrades

Vokial suits the Vampire / Vampire Lord line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Vampire

Focuses on Vampire. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Artillery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Vampire
- Sourced specialty target
Vampire Lord
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
VampireBase: 10/9/6	11 (+1)	10 (+1)	7 (+1)
Vampire LordBase: 10/10/9	11 (+1)	11 (+1)	10 (+1)

Vampire: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Vampire Lord: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Moandor

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Shooting army · Lich and upgrades

Moandor suits the Lich / Power Lich line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Lich

Focuses on Lich. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Learning

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Learning. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

SlowSourced starting spell
Calculate the target’s new reach and order. Against several attackers, Expert can create breathing room for the whole friendly ranged force.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

SlowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Lich
- Sourced specialty target
Power Lich
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
LichBase: 13/10/6	15 (+2)	11 (+1)	7 (+1)
Power LichBase: 13/10/7	15 (+2)	11 (+1)	8 (+1)

Lich: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Power Lich: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Charna

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Melee army · Wight and upgrades

Charna suits the Wight / Wraith line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Wight

Focuses on Wight. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Wight
- Sourced specialty target
Wraith
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
WightBase: 7/7/5	9 (+2)	9 (+2)	6 (+1)
WraithBase: 7/7/7	9 (+2)	9 (+2)	8 (+1)

Wight: next Attack or Defense change at level 18.
Wraith: next Attack or Defense change at level 18.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Tamika

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Melee army · Black Knight and upgrades

Tamika suits the Black Knight / Dread Knight line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Black Knight

Focuses on Black Knight. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Black Knight
- Sourced specialty target
Dread Knight
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Black KnightBase: 16/16/7	17 (+1)	17 (+1)	8 (+1)
Dread KnightBase: 18/18/9	19 (+1)	19 (+1)	10 (+1)

Black Knight: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Dread Knight: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Isra

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Army command · Necropolis

Compare Speed and retaliation before contact. A focused hit that removes an enemy stack often protects the army better than spreading damage among several targets that can still act.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Necromancy

Specializes in Necromancy. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Necromancy

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Clavius

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

An economic Death Knight with Necromancy

Clavius combines +350 daily gold, Basic Necromancy, Basic Offence and Magic Arrow. Evaluate income, post-battle gains and army attacks separately; Animate Dead is another spell to acquire.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Animate DeadTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Vampire’s CowlSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Necromancy contribution: +10 percentage points.
For established Necromancy, separate from +350 income and any acquired Animate Dead.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Skeleton Warrior
- Example in a tactical plan
Vampire Lord
- Example in a tactical plan
Power Lich
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Clavius: income, Necromancy and the combat reserve

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Separate three sources of further strength
Daily gold funds recruitment, Necromancy is resolved after an eligible victory and a town dwelling has its own availability. These are not one free reward. Plan them around safely winnable encounters and the cash available when purchasing.
Use Magic Arrow to remove a threat
Magic Arrow is established in the starting profile. Compare actual damage and mana cost with whether the hit prevents another enemy action. Basic Offence supports melee attacks rather than independently improving a Power Lich’s ranged blast.
Acquire Animate Dead before relying on it
Necromancy does not establish Animate Dead knowledge. If acquired, plan friendly undead recovery around its health budget, casualties and upcoming actions. Future income cannot retroactively replace an army destroyed in an excessively risky fight today.
Split equipment between growth and repeated battles
Vampire’s Cowl supports Necromancy and Charm of Mana daily recovery. Check whether Skeleton growth, mana or reinforcement delivery limits the next expedition. Choosing Clavius for income does not automatically mean benching his developed combat skills.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Magic Arrow (sourced start) · Animate Dead (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Vampire’s Cowl
For established Necromancy, separate from +350 income and any acquired Animate Dead.
Charm of Mana

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Galthran

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

A numerous Necropolis Skeleton army

Choose Galthran when Skeletons and Skeleton Warriors form a substantial army core. Basic Necromancy and Basic Armorer complement his creature specialty; the listed Shield addresses another specific source of incoming damage.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Skeleton

Focuses on Skeleton. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Armorer

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ShieldSourced starting spell
Protect a stack expecting several attacks and retaliations. Compare direct losses prevented with additional Defense from Stone Skin.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

ShieldSourced starting spell
Animate DeadTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Vampire’s CowlSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Necromancy contribution: +10 percentage points.
For growing the Skeleton core through actual Necromancy.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Skeleton
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Skeleton Warrior
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan
Power Lich
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
SkeletonBase: 5/4/4	8 (+3)	6 (+2)	5 (+1)
Skeleton WarriorBase: 6/6/5	9 (+3)	9 (+3)	6 (+1)

Skeleton: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.
Skeleton Warrior: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 1: 5 × floor(level / 1) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Galthran: the Skeleton core, Shield and reinforcements

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Build the line you will actually use
The specialty concerns Skeletons and their normal upgrade rather than every undead creature. Before spending all gold on another top-tier dwelling, compare Skeleton supply, numbers and delivery to the main commander. Do not replace a developed hero solely because of a specialty name.
Compare both forms’ own stat baselines
The linked specialty comparison uses each Skeleton form’s own base attributes. Specialty bonuses, ordinary hero Attack/Defense and equipment are separate modifications. Distinguish creature count from upgrade status when recruiting and keep a reserve for the next important march.
Shield does not address every incoming hit
Compare the listed Shield with approaching melee hits. Do not treat it as the same protection against shooting or direct spell damage. If another threat is removing Skeletons, change formation, target choice or available support instead of repeating an unsuitable cast.
Connect Necromancy with a safe next expedition
Vampire’s Cowl is equipment for existing Necromancy rather than a promised return from every battle. Animate Dead requires acquisition and a valid undead target. After victory compare survivors, mana reserves and newly unlocked recruitment before another difficult encounter.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Shield (sourced start) · Animate Dead (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Vampire’s Cowl
For growing the Skeleton core through actual Necromancy.
Shield of the Dwarven Lords

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Septienna

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Death Ripple

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Death RippleSourced starting spell
Use it against several eligible targets with your own undead army. In a mixed force, account for every vulnerable support stack.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Death RippleSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Aislinn

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Meteor Shower

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Wisdom

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Meteor ShowerSourced starting spell
Look for several valuable enemies close together before friendly creatures make contact. Against one target, compare single-target magic’s cost and effect.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Meteor ShowerSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Sandro

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Necropolis with tempo control and Sorcery

Build Sandro around his actual Basic Necromancy, Basic Sorcery and Slow start. Sorcery supports damage spells, rather than automatically increasing Slow’s percentage or granting a campaign artifact set.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Sorcery

Specializes in Sorcery. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Sorcery · Basic Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

SlowSourced starting spell
Calculate the target’s new reach and order. Against several attackers, Expert can create breathing room for the whole friendly ranged force.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

SlowSourced starting spell
Animate DeadTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Vampire’s CowlSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Necromancy contribution: +10 percentage points.
Conditional contribution to established Necromancy, rather than an automatically completed combination.
Dead Man’s BootsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Necromancy contribution: +15 percentage points.
Another Necromancy contribution; compare the equipment slot with available map movement.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Skeleton
- Example in a tactical plan
Skeleton Warrior
- Example in a tactical plan
Vampire Lord
- Example in a tactical plan
Power Lich
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Sandro: Slow, Necromancy and the right spell type

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Separate the name from the actual profile
This normal Sandro profile lists Basic Necromancy, Basic Sorcery and Slow. It is not automatically a campaign version with every artifact. Check the actual spellbook, mana, army and scenario before the first expedition; a familiar name does not bypass those requirements.
Slow buys space and turn order
Choose an eligible fast enemy whose slowing preserves a Lich shot or delays contact with the Skeleton core. Track actual Earth Magic mastery and the new reach. Sorcery is not another Slow mastery tier; the spell card governs its percentage and target count.
Separate in-battle recovery from post-battle growth
Evaluate Necromancy after eligible battles; Animate Dead is a separate spell to acquire for recovering your undead in combat. Non-living targets are not automatically valid fuel for every effect. A good post-victory return does not justify losses preventing the next mandatory encounter.
Items contribute specific effects
Vampire’s Cowl and Dead Man’s Boots contribute to Necromancy but do not themselves constitute the completed Cloak of the Undead King. Evaluate a combination by acquired components and conditions. Compare undead growth with mana, movement or key-stack protection before the next expedition.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Slow (sourced start) · Animate Dead (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Vampire’s Cowl
Conditional contribution to established Necromancy, rather than an automatically completed combination.
Dead Man’s Boots
Another Necromancy contribution; compare the equipment slot with available map movement.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Nimbus

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Eagle Eye

Specializes in Eagle Eye. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ShieldSourced starting spell
Protect a stack expecting several attacks and retaliations. Compare direct losses prevented with additional Defense from Stone Skin.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ShieldSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Thant

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Permanent recovery of friendly undead

Choose Thant for an army able to use the listed Animate Dead and its specialty safely. Recovery needs control over the remaining fight, an eligible target and enough mana.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Animate Dead

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Mysticism

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Mysticism · Basic Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Animate DeadSourced starting spell
Once the battle is under control, recover expensive undead. Before ending combat, compare available mana with restoration needed for the next expedition.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

Animate DeadSourced starting spellSpell specialty
SlowTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Vampire’s CowlSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Necromancy contribution: +10 percentage points.
For existing Necromancy, separate from Animate Dead’s health budget.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Skeleton Warrior
- Example in a tactical plan
Vampire Lord
- Example in a tactical plan
Power Lich
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Thant: Animate Dead before the next expedition

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Keep spell knowledge separate from another specialty
Thant’s reference lists Basic Necromancy, Basic Mysticism and Animate Dead. That knowledge is separate from future Earth Magic development. Slow is an additional acquisition option here. Compare actual mana with recovery costs after the hardest expected encounter before planning several fights.
The spell budget is measured in health
Animate Dead recovers friendly undead through Spell Power and actual mastery. Fully returned creature counts also depend on their HP and existing casualties. The same health budget does not return the same number of Skeleton Warriors and Vampire Lords; original stack size remains a limit.
Read permanence and timing correctly
This reference makes Animate Dead recovery permanent even when untrained, unlike Resurrection’s Advanced Earth Magic condition. Before spending an action recovering losses, check that the enemy cannot immediately remove the restored stack again. Control and action order matter more than the health total alone.
Do not exhaust the next fight’s reserve blindly
Charm of Mana changes daily recovery and Vampire’s Cowl the Necromancy contribution. Neither item instantly refills current mana or grants a free cast. Before ending combat compare further recovery costs with the next objective’s distance, expected reinforcements and a safe route to town support.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Animate Dead (sourced start) · Slow (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Charm of Mana
Vampire’s Cowl
For existing Necromancy, separate from Animate Dead’s health budget.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Xsi

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Stone Skin

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Learning

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Learning. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Vidomina

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Necromancy

Specializes in Necromancy. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Necromancy

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

CurseSourced starting spell
Target a wide damage range and verify eligibility. For exact predictions in an original release, account for the explicitly identified reference difference.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

CurseSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Necromancer

Nagash

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Necromancy
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Necromancy · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Protection from AirSourced starting spell
Consider it against Lightning attacks when protection lets a key stack survive an expected hit. Check whether the opponent can switch to another magic type.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Protection from AirSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Lorelei

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Melee army · Harpy and upgrades

Lorelei suits the Harpy / Harpy Hag line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Harpy

Focuses on Harpy. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Scouting
Basic Leadership

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Scouting · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Harpy
- Sourced specialty target
Harpy Hag
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
HarpyBase: 6/5/6	8 (+2)	7 (+2)	7 (+1)
Harpy HagBase: 6/6/9	8 (+2)	8 (+2)	10 (+1)

Harpy: next Attack or Defense change at level 14.
Harpy Hag: next Attack or Defense change at level 14.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Arlach

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Ballista specialist

This hero makes sense with an acquired Ballista and a plan to keep it operational. Check Artillery, hero attributes and purchase availability on the map. The specialty alone does not confirm starting ownership.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ballista

Focuses on Ballista. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Artillery
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Ballista rules and purchase →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sourced war-machine specialty: Ballista. Its equipment card explains rules, cost and the dedicated slot. The specialty alone does not confirm ownership.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Dace

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Melee army · Minotaur and upgrades

Dace suits the Minotaur / Minotaur King line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Minotaur

Focuses on Minotaur. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Tactics
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Minotaur
- Sourced specialty target
Minotaur King
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
MinotaurBase: 14/12/6	16 (+2)	14 (+2)	7 (+1)
Minotaur KingBase: 15/15/8	17 (+2)	17 (+2)	9 (+1)

Minotaur: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Minotaur King: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Ajit

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Shooting army · Beholder and upgrades

Ajit suits the Beholder / Evil Eye line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Beholder

Focuses on Beholder. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Leadership · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Beholder
- Sourced specialty target
Evil Eye
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
BeholderBase: 9/7/5	11 (+2)	9 (+2)	6 (+1)
Evil EyeBase: 10/8/7	12 (+2)	10 (+2)	8 (+1)

Beholder: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Evil Eye: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Damacon

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Gunnar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Logistics and Tactics for a Dungeon expedition

Gunnar starts with Basic Logistics and Basic Tactics and specializes in Logistics. Separate map-travel benefits from preparation deployment and actual Harpy Hag, shooter and Minotaur reach.

Secondary role: Main commander if movement is supported by skills suited to the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Logistics

Specializes in Logistics. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Logistics
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Logistics · Basic Tactics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
Boots of SpeedSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily movement · land: +600.
For land travel; it does not change the Tactics deployment area.
Necklace of SwiftnessSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Battle Speed: +1.
For an actual combat Speed threshold, separate from map Logistics.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Harpy Hag
- Example in a tactical plan
Evil Eye
- Example in a tactical plan
Minotaur
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Gunnar: army travel and pre-contact deployment

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Judge Logistics over the whole route
Plan Gunnar’s route from a safe reinforcement handover through the objective to the next refuge. Actual terrain and traveling army speed affect distance. The Logistics specialty does not grant every Dungeon creature a special combat bonus or establish support-spell knowledge.
Tactics does not lengthen the combat move
Basic Tactics provides a preparation option according to effective mastery and the opponent. Compare the resulting deployment with actual creature Speed. A Harpy Hag can return after a retaliation-free attack, but its home position should not become the next easy target.
Give shooters a stable protected position
An Evil Eye needs a usable target and cover, independently of map-travel speed. A Minotaur can handle contact if it survives the expected exchange. Adapt town construction to the lines actually being purchased instead of automatically selecting the most expensive dwelling.
Separate the two equipment speed effects
Boots of Speed aid land travel; Necklace of Swiftness changes army Speed in combat. Before equipping the necklace, check whether the extra point changes the required reach or action order. Boots do not replace missing reinforcements before a hard guard.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Boots of Speed
For land travel; it does not change the Tactics deployment area.
Necklace of Swiftness
For an actual combat Speed threshold, separate from map Logistics.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Synca

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Melee army · Manticore and upgrades

Synca suits the Manticore / Scorpicore line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Manticore

Focuses on Manticore. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Leadership · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Manticore
- Sourced specialty target
Scorpicore
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
ManticoreBase: 15/13/7	16 (+1)	14 (+1)	8 (+1)
ScorpicoreBase: 16/14/11	17 (+1)	15 (+1)	12 (+1)

Manticore: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Scorpicore: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Shakti

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Opening Dungeon with a Troglodyte core

Use Shakti for an expedition built around Troglodytes, Basic Tactics and Basic Offence. Connect deployment preparation with reachable attacks and protection of other troops.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Troglodyte

Focuses on Troglodyte. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Tactics
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
SlowTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.
Necklace of SwiftnessSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Battle Speed: +1.
For a specific missing battle reach in the Troglodyte line.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Troglodyte
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Infernal Troglodyte
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan
Harpy Hag
- Example in a tactical plan
Evil Eye
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
TroglodyteBase: 4/3/4	6 (+2)	5 (+2)	5 (+1)
Infernal TroglodyteBase: 5/4/5	8 (+3)	6 (+2)	6 (+1)

Troglodyte: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.
Infernal Troglodyte: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 1: 5 × floor(level / 1) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Shakti: Troglodytes, Tactics and actual melee reach

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

The specialty needs numbers and actual reinforcements
The Troglodyte specialty concerns that recruitment line rather than every Dungeon creature. Compare numbers, available upgrades and reinforcement delivery before a larger fight. A reference weekly growth figure does not establish map availability without checking the town start and current week.
Tactics is not additional Speed
Basic Tactics changes opening deployment under its own rules. It does not automatically increase Speed every round or hero movement points. Evaluate starting positions against actual enemy reach; deploying closer can increase pressure while also exposing screens or shooters.
Turn melee bonuses into a favorable exchange
Basic Offence benefits completed melee hits. Harpy Hags provide a different safety profile from Troglodytes, while Evil Eyes add ranged options. Add troops for the threat being solved; the specialized core is not automatically the right recipient of every risky first exchange.
Actually acquire movement support first
Haste and Slow are not established Shakti starting spells here. Necklace of Swiftness changes battle Speed and Centaur’s Axe Attack, addressing different shortages. Choose by missing reach, target Defense and completing the attack; a specialty percentage alone does not create a safe route.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Slow (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Centaur’s Axe
Necklace of Swiftness
For a specific missing battle reach in the Troglodyte line.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Alamar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Resurrection

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Scholar

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Scholar. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ResurrectionSourced starting spell
Distinguish temporary and permanent restoration when planning successive fights. Do not sacrifice expensive troops expecting permanent returns with only Basic Earth Magic.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ResurrectionSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Jaegar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Magic support built around the specialty

Use mana recovery across a longer route between battles. Plan the days available for restoration and use the current reserve for the immediate fight.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Mysticism

Specializes in Mysticism. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Mysticism

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Mysticism. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ShieldSourced starting spell
Protect a stack expecting several attacks and retaliations. Compare direct losses prevented with additional Defense from Stone Skin.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ShieldSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Malekith

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Magic support built around the specialty

Develop this hero for usable damaging spells. First check learned spells, valid targets and mana. Time the hit so the friendly army can exploit the enemy’s weakened state.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Sorcery

Specializes in Sorcery. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Sorcery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

BloodlustSourced starting spell
Buff attackers before coordinated melee contact. If they will continue shooting, compare Precision.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

BloodlustSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Jeddite

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Resurrection

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Wisdom

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ResurrectionSourced starting spell
Distinguish temporary and permanent restoration when planning successive fights. Do not sacrifice expensive troops expecting permanent returns with only Basic Earth Magic.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ResurrectionSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Geon

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Eagle Eye

Specializes in Eagle Eye. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

SlowSourced starting spell
Calculate the target’s new reach and order. Against several attackers, Expert can create breathing room for the whole friendly ranged force.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

SlowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Deemer

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Specialized Dungeon area magic

Deemer lists Meteor Shower, Basic Wisdom and Advanced Scouting. His best opportunity depends on clustered eligible targets, available mana and a safe impact area.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Meteor Shower

This spell receives a level-dependent specialty benefit. Include mana, a valid target and the cost of one hero action when deciding.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Advanced Scouting

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Advanced Scouting. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Meteor ShowerSourced starting spell
Look for several valuable enemies close together before friendly creatures make contact. Against one target, compare single-target magic’s cost and effect.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

Meteor ShowerSourced starting spellSpell specialty
Magic ArrowTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For Meteor Shower’s Spell Power damage term; it does not remove immunities or area constraints.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Harpy Hag
- Example in a tactical plan
Evil Eye
- Example in a tactical plan
Black Dragon
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Deemer: Meteor Shower before the armies mix

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Known Meteor Shower does not mean every high-level spell
Meteor Shower is Deemer’s established starting spell even though his listed skills include Basic Wisdom. This specific knowledge does not permit learning every spell of that level without further development. Magic Arrow is another acquisition option here.
Inspect the whole area, including second hexes
Meteor Shower hits the target and surrounding hexes. Inspect enemies and friends, including both occupied hexes of large creatures. A suitable cluster before contact can be better than a later cast that also damages friendly Harpy Hags or shooter screens.
Value mana through enemy actions removed
Compare the area spell’s cost with enemy actions actually removed. A learned cheaper option may be better against one small target. Scouting provides map information but does not itself increase Spell Power or bypass a target’s immunity.
Do not treat Black Dragons as ordinary support targets
Black Dragons have extensive spell immunity. Do not plan the same support as for an Evil Eye without checking eligibility, and inspect all other creatures in the area of your own attack. Power and daily recovery address different limits on Deemer’s next expedition.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Meteor Shower (sourced start) · Magic Arrow (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Breastplate of Petrified Wood
For Meteor Shower’s Spell Power damage term; it does not remove immunities or area constraints.
Charm of Mana

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Sephinroth

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Crystal

Provides 1 Crystal daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Protection from AirSourced starting spell
Consider it against Lightning attacks when protection lets a key stack survive an expected hit. Check whether the opponent can switch to another magic type.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Protection from AirSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Warlock

Darkstorn

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Stone Skin

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Learning

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Learning. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Yog

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Shooting army · Cyclops and upgrades

Yog suits the Cyclops / Cyclops King line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Cyclops

Focuses on Cyclops. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Offence
Basic Ballistics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Ballistics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Cyclops
- Sourced specialty target
Cyclops King
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
CyclopsBase: 15/12/6	16 (+1)	13 (+1)	7 (+1)
Cyclops KingBase: 17/13/8	18 (+1)	14 (+1)	9 (+1)

Cyclops: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Cyclops King: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Gurnisson

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Ballista specialist

This hero makes sense with an acquired Ballista and a plan to keep it operational. Check Artillery, hero attributes and purchase availability on the map. The specialty alone does not confirm starting ownership.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ballista

Focuses on Ballista. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Offence
Basic Artillery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Ballista rules and purchase →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sourced war-machine specialty: Ballista. Its equipment card explains rules, cost and the dedicated slot. The specialty alone does not confirm ownership.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Jabarkas

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Shooting army · Orc and upgrades

Jabarkas suits the Orc / Orc Chieftain line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Orc

Focuses on Orc. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Offence
Basic Archery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Archery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Orc
- Sourced specialty target
Orc Chieftain
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
OrcBase: 8/4/4	10 (+2)	5 (+1)	5 (+1)
Orc ChieftainBase: 8/4/5	10 (+2)	5 (+1)	6 (+1)

Orc: next Attack or Defense change at level 18.
Orc Chieftain: next Attack or Defense change at level 18.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Shiva

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Melee army · Roc and upgrades

Shiva suits the Roc / Thunderbird line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Roc

Focuses on Roc. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Offence
Basic Scouting

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Scouting. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Roc
- Sourced specialty target
Thunderbird
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
RocBase: 13/11/7	15 (+2)	13 (+2)	8 (+1)
ThunderbirdBase: 13/11/11	15 (+2)	13 (+2)	12 (+1)

Roc: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.
Thunderbird: next Attack or Defense change at level 20.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Gretchin

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Melee army · Goblin and upgrades

Gretchin suits the Goblin / Hobgoblin line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Goblin

Focuses on Goblin. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Offence
Basic Pathfinding

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Pathfinding. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Goblin
- Sourced specialty target
Hobgoblin
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
GoblinBase: 4/2/5	6 (+2)	3 (+1)	6 (+1)
HobgoblinBase: 5/3/7	8 (+3)	5 (+2)	8 (+1)

Goblin: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.
Hobgoblin: next Attack or Defense change at level 13.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 1: 5 × floor(level / 1) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Krellion

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Melee army · Ogre and upgrades

Krellion suits the Ogre / Ogre Mage line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ogre

Focuses on Ogre. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Offence
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Ogre
- Sourced specialty target
Ogre Mage
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
OgreBase: 13/7/4	15 (+2)	8 (+1)	5 (+1)
Ogre MageBase: 13/7/5	15 (+2)	8 (+1)	6 (+1)

Ogre: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Ogre Mage: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Crag Hack

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Stronghold pressure through melee attacks

Use Crag Hack for an army able to exploit Advanced Offence and its specialty safely. Extra melee damage matters when a stack reaches the target and survives the necessary part of the exchange.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Offence

Specializes in Offence. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
SlowTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.
Necklace of SwiftnessSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Battle Speed: +1.
For battle reach and order, rather than the same amount of map movement.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Wolf Raider
- Example in a tactical plan
Thunderbird
- Example in a tactical plan
Ancient Behemoth
- Example in a tactical plan
Orc Chieftain
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Crag Hack: Offence and completed melee attacks

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Distinguish Offence from shooting
The reference starts with Advanced Offence. This improves melee damage; Orc shooting has its own conditions and potentially different development. Identify which actual stacks should carry the attack, then choose construction by available numbers and the next objective.
Wolf Raiders must complete the second strike
Check reach, retaliation and further enemy attacks before committing Wolf Raiders. The second strike uses survivors from the first exchange. Compare a direct strike with first weakening the target or drawing ordinary retaliation when the situation and enemy abilities permit.
Acquire acceleration for a concrete reach requirement
Haste and Slow are acquisition options here rather than confirmed Crag Hack starting spells. Casting requires an actual spellbook, mana and applicable requirements. With usable support, first calculate which stack gains a newly reachable target and who acts afterward.
Choose map movement and battle Speed separately
Necklace of Swiftness improves battle Speed, while Boots of Speed would address map travel. Those benefits are not interchangeable. Centaur’s Axe adds Attack; evaluate its combination with Offence against actual target Defense rather than adding unlike percentages.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Slow (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Centaur’s Axe
Necklace of Swiftness
For battle reach and order, rather than the same amount of map movement.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Tyraxor

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

A Wolf-line specialist with Tactics

Tyraxor has Basic Offence, Basic Tactics and a Wolf Rider specialty including Wolf Raiders. The second attack belongs to the upgrade; prepared contact and survival of the first retaliation determine its value.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Wolf Rider

Focuses on Wolf Rider. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Offence
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Tactics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
ShieldTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.
Necklace of SwiftnessSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Battle Speed: +1.
For a concrete engagement threshold; it grants neither retaliation prevention nor a second hit.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Wolf Rider
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Wolf Raider
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan
Orc Chieftain
- Example in a tactical plan
Thunderbird
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Wolf RiderBase: 7/5/6	9 (+2)	7 (+2)	7 (+1)
Wolf RaiderBase: 8/5/8	10 (+2)	7 (+2)	9 (+1)

Wolf Rider: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Wolf Raider: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Tyraxor: make the Wolves’ second attack a safe exchange

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

The base Rider is not yet a double attacker
Wolf Riders and Wolf Raiders share the specialty line but not every ability. The second attack belongs to the upgrade. Before paying, compare available numbers, upgrade cost and whether the surviving stack can actually make a useful second hit.
Use Tactics for meaningful first contact
Basic Tactics affects preparation deployment according to effective skill difference. It does not automatically remove retaliation. Decide who takes it, whether shooting should weaken the target first and whether the attacker would be exposed to several further enemies afterward.
Offence and reach are separate parts of attacking
Basic Offence supports melee damage. Compare specialty attribute and Speed bonuses in the two-form table. Haste or Shield must first be acquired and spellbook access checked; neither is a listed starting spell for Tyraxor.
Compare another Wolf with a costlier line
Centaur Axe raises Attack and Necklace of Swiftness battle Speed. Compare their value with more Wolf Raiders and necessary screening. Behemoths have their own construction dependencies; do not let that future promise undermine today’s usable attacking army.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Shield (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Centaur’s Axe
Necklace of Swiftness
For a concrete engagement threshold; it grants neither retaliation prevention nor a second hit.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Gird

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Magic support built around the specialty

Develop this hero for usable damaging spells. First check learned spells, valid targets and mana. Time the hit so the friendly army can exploit the enemy’s weakened state.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Sorcery

Specializes in Sorcery. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Sorcery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

BloodlustSourced starting spell
Buff attackers before coordinated melee contact. If they will continue shooting, compare Precision.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

BloodlustSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Vey

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Melee army · Ogre and upgrades

Vey suits the Ogre / Ogre Mage line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ogre

Focuses on Ogre. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Leadership

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Ogre
- Sourced specialty target
Ogre Mage
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
OgreBase: 13/7/4	15 (+2)	8 (+1)	5 (+1)
Ogre MageBase: 13/7/5	15 (+2)	8 (+1)	6 (+1)

Ogre: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Ogre Mage: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Dessa

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

A Logistics Battle Mage with Stone Skin

Dessa has Basic Wisdom, Basic Logistics and Stone Skin, with a Logistics specialty. He can lead an expedition and provide established defensive support; Haste is another spell that must be acquired.

Secondary role: Main commander if movement is supported by skills suited to the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Logistics

Specializes in Logistics. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Logistics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Logistics · Basic Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For daily recovery during a longer Stone Skin expedition, rather than increasing its Defense bonus.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Boots of SpeedSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily movement · land: +600.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Wolf Raider
- Example in a tactical plan
Orc Chieftain
- Example in a tactical plan
Thunderbird
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Dessa: deliver the attacking army and protect it with magic

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Evaluate travel before handing over reinforcements
Logistics supports Dessa’s land expedition. When accepting more Orcs or a slower stack, consider when next-day movement is determined and whether the army still reaches its objective. Delivered reinforcements help only if they do not undermine the required timing.
Use Stone Skin for the actual physical exchange
Stone Skin is an established starting spell. Earth Magic mastery determines Defense gained, while Spell Power determines ordinary duration. Choose a stack facing physical hits and assess whether protection preserves another usable Wolf Raider attack after the first exchange.
Haste is not part of the Logistics specialty
Haste is an acquisition option here rather than a confirmed start. Until it is learned, plan with actual creature Speed. A Thunderbird offers faster contact than much of the force but should not end unsupported within reach of the whole enemy army.
Compare mana recovery with expedition length
Boots of Speed support land travel and Charm of Mana daily recovery. Before departure translate current mana into planned casts and consider returning for support. More map movement does not guarantee reserves for every further battle or automatically recover lost creatures.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Stone Skin (sourced start) · Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Boots of Speed
Charm of Mana
For daily recovery during a longer Stone Skin expedition, rather than increasing its Defense bonus.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Terek

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Haste

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Tactics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Zubin

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Precision

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Artillery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

PrecisionSourced starting spell
Cast before several volleys from a safe position. If enemies are closing in, relocation or control may be worth more than a damage buff.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

PrecisionSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Gundula

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Melee-offense commander

Exploit the specialty with an army that actually attacks in melee. Prepare several stacks against an important target and choose who takes retaliation before the opening strike. Judge ordinary ranged attacks separately.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Offence

Specializes in Offence. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

SlowSourced starting spell
Calculate the target’s new reach and order. Against several attackers, Expert can create breathing room for the whole friendly ranged force.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

SlowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Oris

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Eagle Eye

Specializes in Eagle Eye. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Protection from AirSourced starting spell
Consider it against Lightning attacks when protection lets a key stack survive an expected hit. Check whether the opponent can switch to another magic type.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Protection from AirSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Battlemage

Saurug

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gems

Provides 1 Gems daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

BloodlustSourced starting spell
Buff attackers before coordinated melee contact. If they will continue shooting, compare Precision.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

BloodlustSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Bron

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Melee army · Basilisk and upgrades

Bron suits the Basilisk / Greater Basilisk line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Basilisk

Focuses on Basilisk. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Armorer
Basic Resistance

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Resistance. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Basilisk
- Sourced specialty target
Greater Basilisk
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
BasiliskBase: 11/11/5	13 (+2)	13 (+2)	6 (+1)
Greater BasiliskBase: 12/12/7	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	8 (+1)

Basilisk: next Attack or Defense change at level 16.
Greater Basilisk: next Attack or Defense change at level 16.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Drakon

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Melee army · Gnoll and upgrades

Drakon suits the Gnoll / Gnoll Marauder line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gnoll

Focuses on Gnoll. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Armorer
Basic Leadership

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Gnoll
- Sourced specialty target
Gnoll Marauder
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
GnollBase: 3/5/4	5 (+2)	8 (+3)	5 (+1)
Gnoll MarauderBase: 4/6/5	6 (+2)	9 (+3)	6 (+1)

Gnoll: next Attack or Defense change at level 13.
Gnoll Marauder: next Attack or Defense change at level 11.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 1: 5 × floor(level / 1) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Wystan

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

A Lizard-line specialist with Archery and Armorer

Wystan combines Basic Archery, Basic Armorer and a Lizardman creature specialty. Shooting, reduced physical losses and specialty attributes are separate benefits; they do not guarantee unrestricted safe fire.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Lizardman

Focuses on Lizardman. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Armorer
Basic Archery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Archery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

ShieldTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
For Lizard shooting distance and wall penalties; screening remains necessary.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Lizardman
- Sourced specialty target
- Example in a tactical plan
Lizard Warrior
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line
- Example in a tactical plan
Dragon Fly
- Example in a tactical plan
Mighty Gorgon
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
LizardmanBase: 5/6/4	7 (+2)	8 (+2)	5 (+1)
Lizard WarriorBase: 6/8/5	8 (+2)	10 (+2)	6 (+1)

Lizardman: next Attack or Defense change at level 14.
Lizard Warrior: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 2: 5 × floor(level / 2) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Detailed game plan · Wystan: Lizard shooters and defensive space

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Compare the upgrade with more shooters
Lizardmen and Lizard Warriors have separate base attributes and prices; both belong to Wystan’s specialty. Compare them at the actual hero level in the numerical table. Value town investment through purchased numbers and gains unlocked by the next expedition.
Armorer does not restore blocked shooting
Basic Archery supports ranged hits and Basic Armorer reduces applicable physical losses. If an enemy engages the shooters, another usable action or screen is needed. A Dragon Fly can disrupt opponents, but moving it should not leave the shooting line exposed.
Do not invent spellbook support
Shield and Haste are acquisition options. First verify spellbook, actual knowledge and mana; the creature specialty does not supply them. Mighty Gorgons can address another melee threat, but Death Stare is not a guaranteed kill count to budget without a reserve.
Choose the item for the actual limitation
Golden Bow addresses ordinary shooting penalties. Shield of the Dwarven Lords adds Defense rather than complete spell protection or prevention of enemy engagement. Compare both effects with further recruitment and revised deployment before a difficult encounter.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Shield (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Golden Bow
For Lizard shooting distance and wall penalties; screening remains necessary.
Shield of the Dwarven Lords

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Tazar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

A Fortress defensive core with usable counterplay

Choose Tazar when Advanced Armorer and its specialty preserve useful army actions. Pair defensive benefits with a plan for reach, shooting and finishing the opponent.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Armorer

Specializes in Armorer. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Armorer

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Armorer. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

ShieldTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
Air ShieldTactical option · acquisition depends on the map
HasteTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.
Necklace of SwiftnessSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Battle Speed: +1.
For defensive stacks missing concrete battle reach, rather than increased durability.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Lizard Warrior
- Example in a tactical plan
Mighty Gorgon
- Example in a tactical plan
Chaos Hydra
- Example in a tactical plan
Dragon Fly
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Tazar: defensive-core survival and the actual value of Armorer

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Identify the damage source your defense addresses
Evaluate Advanced Armorer and its specialty separately from the ordinary Defense attribute. Protection against creature attacks is not automatic immunity to spell damage. Compare ranged pressure, melee exchanges and magic before fighting; the commander needs a plan for the actual threat.
Survival must create another useful action
Lizard Warriors need space for another shot, Mighty Gorgons need eligible living targets and Hydras need reachable adjacent enemies. Deploy for each line’s function. If defense merely delays the same unresolved situation, compare a Dragon Fly intervention or another route to the important target.
Shield, Air Shield and Haste solve different problems
These three links are conditional acquisition options rather than automatic Tazar starting spells. Shield addresses physical melee hits, Air Shield shooting and Haste Speed. Choose by the actual spellbook, mana and which effect creates another useful army action.
Equipment should not replace a missing reach plan
Shield of the Dwarven Lords adds Defense and Necklace of Swiftness battle Speed. Choose by whether a stack dies in a reachable exchange or cannot reach the target at all. Do not derive Armorer-specialty growth from the creature-specialist model; it is a different bonus type.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Shield (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Air Shield (acquire on the map / see specialty) · Haste (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Shield of the Dwarven Lords
Necklace of Swiftness
For defensive stacks missing concrete battle reach, rather than increased durability.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Alkin

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Melee army · Gorgon and upgrades

Alkin suits the Gorgon / Mighty Gorgon line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gorgon

Focuses on Gorgon. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Armorer
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Gorgon
- Sourced specialty target
Mighty Gorgon
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
GorgonBase: 10/14/5	11 (+1)	16 (+2)	6 (+1)
Mighty GorgonBase: 11/16/6	13 (+2)	18 (+2)	7 (+1)

Gorgon: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Mighty Gorgon: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 5: 5 × floor(level / 5) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Korbac

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Melee army · Serpent Fly and upgrades

Korbac suits the Serpent Fly / Dragon Fly line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Serpent Fly

Focuses on Serpent Fly. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Armorer
Basic Pathfinding

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Pathfinding. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Serpent Fly
- Sourced specialty target
Dragon Fly
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
Serpent FlyBase: 7/9/9	9 (+2)	11 (+2)	10 (+1)
Dragon FlyBase: 8/10/13	10 (+2)	12 (+2)	14 (+1)

Serpent Fly: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.
Dragon Fly: next Attack or Defense change at level 15.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 3: 5 × floor(level / 3) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Gerwulf

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Ballista specialist

This hero makes sense with an acquired Ballista and a plan to keep it operational. Check Artillery, hero attributes and purchase availability on the map. The specialty alone does not confirm starting ownership.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ballista

Focuses on Ballista. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Armorer
Basic Artillery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Ballista rules and purchase →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sourced war-machine specialty: Ballista. Its equipment card explains rules, cost and the dedicated slot. The specialty alone does not confirm ownership.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Beastmaster

Broghild

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Melee army · Wyvern and upgrades

Broghild suits the Wyvern / Wyvern Monarch line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Wyvern

Focuses on Wyvern. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Armorer
Basic Scouting

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Scouting. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Wyvern
- Sourced specialty target
Wyvern Monarch
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
WyvernBase: 14/14/7	15 (+1)	15 (+1)	8 (+1)
Wyvern MonarchBase: 14/14/11	15 (+1)	15 (+1)	12 (+1)

Wyvern: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Wyvern Monarch: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 6: 5 × floor(level / 6) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Mirlanda

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Weakness

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Wisdom

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

WeaknessSourced starting spell
Weaken a physical threat before several attacks or retaliations. If one immediate strike decides the battle, compare disabling the target entirely.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

WeaknessSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Rosic

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Magic support built around the specialty

Use mana recovery across a longer route between battles. Plan the days available for restoration and use the current reserve for the immediate fight.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Mysticism

Specializes in Mysticism. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Mysticism

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Mysticism. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Voy

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Navigation

Specializes in sea movement with Navigation. Plan harbours, embarkation and reachable objectives.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Navigation

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Navigation. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

SlowSourced starting spell
Calculate the target’s new reach and order. Against several attackers, Expert can create breathing room for the whole friendly ranged force.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

SlowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Verdish

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

A First Aid specialist with Fire protection

Verdish has Basic Wisdom, Basic First Aid and Protection from Fire. Specialized First Aid needs an actual tent and a wounded survivor; it does not automatically return dead creatures.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · First Aid

Specializes in First Aid. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic First Aid

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic First Aid. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Protection from FireSourced starting spell
Consider it before an expected Armageddon or another strong Fire hit. Still account for remaining damage after the applicable protection.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

Protection from FireSourced starting spell
ShieldTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
First Aid TentSuggestion
Heals a wounded top creature; First Aid improves its healing budget and control.
For an actually acquired tent and healable wounds; the specialty does not return dead creatures.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Lizard Warrior
- Example in a tactical plan
Mighty Gorgon
- Example in a tactical plan
Wyvern
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Verdish: First Aid heals survivors, not casualties

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Verify the tent and an actually healable wound
A First Aid specialty does not prove ownership of a First Aid Tent. If acquired, distinguish a wounded survivor from a lost stack member. Healing is not Resurrection, and a fully healthy remaining creature does not offer the same healing opportunity.
The expensive creature must survive until aid
Repairing wounds on a Mighty Gorgon or Wyvern can differ in value from healing a cheap member of a large stack. Check order, expected hits and healing availability before contact. A tent cannot retroactively save a creature already lost before its useful action.
Use Protection from Fire against the right threat
Protection from Fire is a listed starting spell. It reduces applicable Fire damage by mastery rather than granting general invulnerability or immunity to every Fire Magic effect. Shield is another acquisition option for a different physical threat.
Compare tent spending with further recruitment
The First Aid Tent has its own rules and equipment placement; do not use Heroes V tent values. Before buying, estimate repairable wounds and whether the same budget buys a safer army. Charm of Mana supports hero daily recovery rather than automatically strengthening the tent.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Protection from Fire (sourced start) · Shield (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

First Aid Tent
For an actually acquired tent and healable wounds; the specialty does not return dead creatures.
Charm of Mana

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Merist

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Stone Skin

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Learning

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Learning. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Styg

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Magic support built around the specialty

Develop this hero for usable damaging spells. First check learned spells, valid targets and mana. Time the hit so the friendly army can exploit the enemy’s weakened state.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Sorcery

Specializes in Sorcery. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Sorcery

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Sorcery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

ShieldSourced starting spell
Protect a stack expecting several attacks and retaliations. Compare direct losses prevented with additional Defense from Stone Skin.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

ShieldSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Andra

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Magic support built around the specialty

Use the larger mana capacity for a longer sequence of useful casts. Fill it before departure and budget several battles. More capacity does not acquire new spells.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Intelligence

Specializes in Intelligence. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Intelligence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Intelligence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

DispelSourced starting spell
Before a mass cast, account for buffs and debuffs removed on both sides. To remove only friendly harmful effects, compare Cure.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

DispelSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Tiva

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Eagle Eye

Specializes in Eagle Eye. The relevant skill is required; its starting rank is listed in this profile. Compare developing this skill with the needs of your current army and map.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Eagle Eye

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Eagle Eye. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Pasis

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Melee army · Psychic Elemental and upgrades

Pasis suits the Psychic Elemental / Magic Elemental line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Psychic Elemental

Psychic Elemental: Attack +3, Defence +3. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Basic Artillery
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Psychic Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +3 Attack · +3 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Magic Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +3 Attack · +3 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Thunar

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Melee army · Earth Elemental and upgrades

Thunar suits the Earth Elemental / Magma Elemental line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Earth Elemental

Earth Elemental: damage +5, Attack +2, Defence +1. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Basic Estates
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Estates. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Earth Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +5 base damage · +2 Attack · +1 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Magma Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +5 base damage · +2 Attack · +1 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Ignissa

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Melee army · Fire Elemental and upgrades

Ignissa suits the Fire Elemental / Energy Elemental line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Fire Elemental

Fire Elemental: damage +2, Attack +1, Defence +2. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Basic Artillery
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Artillery. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Fire Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 base damage · +1 Attack · +2 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Energy Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 base damage · +1 Attack · +2 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Lacus

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Shooting army · Water Elemental and upgrades

Lacus suits the Water Elemental / Ice Elemental line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Water Elemental

Water Elemental: Attack +2. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Tactics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Water Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 Attack · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Ice Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 Attack · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Monere

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Psychic and Magic Elementals with fixed bonuses

Monere has Basic Logistics and Basic Offence. Psychic and Magic Elementals receive his fixed +3 Attack and +3 Defense; this is separate from an ordinary scaling specialty with automatic +1 Speed.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Psychic Elemental

Psychic Elemental: Attack +3, Defence +3. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Basic Logistics
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Logistics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
Necklace of SwiftnessSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Battle Speed: +1.
A separate source of +1 battle Speed; Monere’s fixed specialty does not contain that bonus.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Psychic Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +3 Attack · +3 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
- Example in a tactical plan
Magic Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +3 Attack · +3 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
- Example in a tactical plan
Storm Elemental
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Monere: fixed bonuses and adjacent Elemental attacks

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

A fixed bonus does not follow the ordinary tier table
Monere contributes +3 Attack and +3 Defense to Psychic and Magic Elementals. Do not automatically apply ordinary specialty level scaling or +1 Speed. Any new Speed needs an actual separate equipment effect or rule.
Prepare adjacent attacks through actual positioning
Both forms can hit adjacent enemies without retaliation. Their benefit depends on reachable neighbors and surviving attacker numbers. Do not expose an expensive stack to the whole enemy army merely to include one additional small target.
The upgrade also changes friendly magic options
Magic Elementals have extensive spell immunity compared with Psychic Elementals. Do not assume identical support-spell options for both forms. Compare the upgrade card, price and the opponent’s actual magic before committing town construction to the whole line.
Evaluate travel and melee support separately
Basic Logistics helps land travel; Basic Offence supports melee hits. Centaur Axe adds Attack and Necklace of Swiftness separately adds battle Speed. When transferring Elementals, compare the lost fixed bonus, remaining travel and both commanders’ combat development.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Centaur’s Axe
Necklace of Swiftness
A separate source of +1 battle Speed; Monere’s fixed specialty does not contain that bonus.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Erdamon

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Melee army · Earth Elemental and upgrades

Erdamon suits the Earth Elemental / Magma Elemental line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Earth Elemental

Earth Elemental: damage +5, Attack +2, Defence +1. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Basic Estates
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Estates. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Earth Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +5 base damage · +2 Attack · +1 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Magma Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +5 base damage · +2 Attack · +1 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Fiur

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Melee army · Fire Elemental and upgrades

Fiur suits the Fire Elemental / Energy Elemental line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Fire Elemental

Fire Elemental: damage +2, Attack +1, Defence +2. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Fire Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 base damage · +1 Attack · +2 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Energy Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 base damage · +1 Attack · +2 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Planeswalker

Kalt

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Shooting army · Water Elemental and upgrades

Kalt suits the Water Elemental / Ice Elemental line. Protect their firing space and focus on a target whose removal prevents the next enemy action. Reassess the specialty when replacing the whole recruitment line.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Water Elemental

Water Elemental: Attack +2. Also applies to this line’s upgrades.

Listed starting skills

Basic Tactics
Basic Learning

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Learning. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Water Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 Attack · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Ice Elemental
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +2 Attack · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Luna

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Conflux with a planned Fire Wall

Use Luna where her listed Fire Wall and Basic Fire Magic meet useful battlefield geometry. Specialized damage does not itself guarantee that the enemy enters the wall.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Fire Wall

Fire Wall deals 100% extra damage. Placement and whether the opponent actually crosses it determine the benefit.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Fire Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Fire Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

Fire WallSourced starting spell
Punish an expected approach or exploit positioning near an obstacle. Account for friendly movement during the following two rounds too.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

Fire WallSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sprite
- Example in a tactical plan
Storm Elemental
- Example in a tactical plan
Energy Elemental
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Luna: Fire Wall by path, mana and subsequent actions

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Start from the sourced spell offer
Luna lists Basic Wisdom, Basic Fire Magic and Fire Wall. Compare current mana with the relevant mastery cost and further battles that day. Guild and map offers can change later development; a school name does not supply an additional spell.
Map passage across actual hexes
Base Fire Wall covers two hexes and Advanced expands it to three. Before casting identify who can pass through the area over the next two rounds and how friendly movement changes it. Track the full footprint of two-hex creatures; adjacency alone does not establish damage.
Evaluate the specialty against the actual target
The specialty increases Fire Wall damage rather than every army fire attack. Check the target’s fire protection or immunity and available routes. If the enemy need not use the obstacle, compare another wall position with your shooting or a changed screen instead of repeatedly casting in the same place.
Separate hit strength from mana recovery
Breastplate of Petrified Wood changes Spell Power, whereas Charm of Mana changes daily recovery. Recovery does not instantly refill a shortage during the current action. Do not automatically treat Fire Wall’s two-round rule as an ordinary extendable enchantment or assume duration items provide the same benefit.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Fire Wall (sourced start)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Brissa

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Haste

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Air Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Air Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Ciele

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Magic Arrow

Magic Arrow deals 50% extra damage. Still check immunity and mana for the next battle.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Water Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Water Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Labetha

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Stone Skin

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Earth Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Earth Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

Stone SkinSourced starting spell
Strengthen troops before a prolonged physical fight. For a stack engaging several attackers, compare the Defense bonus with Shield.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Stone SkinSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Inteus

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Bloodlust

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Fire Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Fire Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

BloodlustSourced starting spell
Buff attackers before coordinated melee contact. If they will continue shooting, compare Precision.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

BloodlustSourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Aenain

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Disrupting Ray

The specialty modifies this spell’s effect; it does not automatically follow the rule for damaging spells. Compare the resulting attack, defence or action-order change for the actual target.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Air Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Air Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

Disrupting RaySourced starting spell
Weaken a durable stack before several friendly physical attacks. Another ray is less valuable when target Defense can no longer meaningfully affect the planned hit.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Disrupting RaySourced starting spellSpell specialty

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Gelare

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Water Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Water Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

DispelSourced starting spell
Before a mass cast, account for buffs and debuffs removed on both sides. To remove only friendly harmful effects, compare Cure.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

DispelSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Conflux · Elementalist

Grindan

Standard profile

How to use this hero

Home faction: Conflux

Economic support with Earth Magic

Grindan combines +350 daily gold with Basic Earth Magic and Slow. Choose Conflux troops by their shooting, reach and exact immunities; an economic role still permits useful combat control.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Gold

Provides 350 Gold daily. Compare the income with recruitment cost and the number of days you keep the hero.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Basic Earth Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Basic Earth Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Pixie

Spells for this plan

SlowSourced starting spell
Calculate the target’s new reach and order. Against several attackers, Expert can create breathing room for the whole friendly ranged force.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

SlowSourced starting spell
ShieldTactical option · acquisition depends on the map

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For later days of control magic; it does not add Earth Magic mastery.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
An option for this tactical plan. Compare the item’s actual effect with the next objective, available equipment slots and the cost of more troops.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Sprite
- Example in a tactical plan
Storm Elemental
- Example in a tactical plan
Ice Elemental
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Grindan: income and Slow for an elemental army

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Plan gold and shooter availability together
The 350 daily gold helps fund future creatures. Storm and Ice Elementals still need the relevant upgraded dwellings and recruitment availability. Compare reaching those shooters with immediate Sprite use; the gold bonus does not unlock their buildings.
Read Slow at its actual mastery
The profile lists Basic Earth Magic and Slow, rather than automatic Expert mass casting. Choose an eligible enemy whose reduced reach permits another shot or a safe Sprite attack. Check the new reach against actual deployment instead of the spell’s name alone.
Compare immunities by individual line
Elementals do not share one universal defense. Storm and Ice Elementals have different vulnerabilities, and developing higher lines does not guarantee every support spell will work. Shield is another spell to acquire here; verify the recipient on its card.
Choose between further mana and screening
Charm of Mana supports later daily recovery; Shield of the Dwarven Lords supports army Defense. Neither guarantees an elemental’s survival against its magical vulnerability. Compare a different expedition target, deployment or further town reinforcements.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Slow (sourced start) · Shield (acquire on the map / see specialty)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Charm of Mana
For later days of control magic; it does not add Earth Magic mastery.
Shield of the Dwarven Lords

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Sir Mullich

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Army command · Castle

Compare Speed and retaliation before contact. A focused hit that removes an enemy stack often protects the army better than spreading damage among several targets that can still act.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Speed

Friendly creatures gain +2 Speed. Check newly reachable hexes and action order.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Leadership

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Fortress · Witch

Adrienne

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Fortress

Spell support for the army

Use this hero to support the army around the spells below. Check actual mission availability, eligible targets and enough mana for the whole battle plan. The linked spell card explains suitable uses.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Fire Magic

Starts with Expert Fire Magic; her starting skills belong to her special availability profile.

Listed starting skills

Basic Wisdom
Expert Fire Magic

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Choose support by the decisive target and remaining casts. Build on a school actually established in the profile; a listed spell alone does not establish every mastery rank.

Skills I would build around: Basic Wisdom · Expert Fire Magic. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

InfernoSourced starting spell
Exploit an enemy spread too large for Fireball. Check both hexes of large friendly creatures before choosing the center.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

InfernoSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Catherine

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Melee army · Swordsman and upgrades

Catherine suits the Swordsman / Crusader line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Swordsman

Focuses on Swordsman. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Offence · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Swordsman
- Sourced specialty target
Crusader
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
SwordsmanBase: 10/12/5	11 (+1)	14 (+2)	6 (+1)
CrusaderBase: 12/12/6	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	7 (+1)

Swordsman: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Crusader: next Attack or Defense change at level 16.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Tower · Wizard

Dracon

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Tower

Tower with paid conversion into Enchanters

Use Dracon in a scenario that makes him available and supplies eligible Mages or Monks plus conversion resources. Plan the resulting stack under its own ranged and automatic-magic rules.

Secondary role: A second hero preparing and transferring converted troops where the map permits.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Enchanters

Can convert Mages and Monks, including upgrades, into Enchanters. This is a special conversion rather than normal town recruitment.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Wisdom

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Wisdom. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Enchanter

Spells for this plan

HasteSourced starting spell
Calculate a specific attacker’s reach and following action order. Use Expert for a coordinated advance when several stacks need acceleration.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

HasteSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (3)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
For distance penalties and other ordinary shooters; do not add the Enchanter’s wall benefit twice.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Mage
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Arch Mage
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Monk
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Zealot
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Enchanter
- Special conversion result
- Example in a tactical plan
Stone Golem
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Dracon: input casters, Enchanters and expedition budget

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Character availability and input supply are separate
Dracon is a special profile rather than a guaranteed normal Tower offer. Conversion accepts Mages and Monks with their upgrades. Monks can therefore come from another faction, but owning Tower does not establish their presence; evaluate scenario access, delivery and acquisition costs separately.
Change the plan for the resulting creature
Enchanters have their own shooting, penalty rules and automatic magic. Do not automatically retain every original Mage support trait after conversion. Compare what the army gains, which old benefit it gives up and whether the new stack has a protected firing position.
A random spell changes the following decisions
An Enchanter’s automatic pool is not unrestricted spell selection every turn. Plan later actions around the actual trigger and cooldown. Haste listed for Dracon himself is a separate relationship: casting still needs his actual spellbook, mana and an available hero action.
Choose the ranged benefit that is missing
Golden Bow can address distance penalties; its wall-related benefit partly overlaps the Enchanter’s own trait. Charm of Mana helps the hero’s daily recovery rather than the creatures’ automatic activations. Compare equipment spending with remaining conversion costs and screening troops.

Linked profiles and rules

Spells: Haste (sourced start)

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Golden Bow
For distance penalties and other ordinary shooters; do not add the Enchanter’s wall benefit twice.
Charm of Mana

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Rampart · Ranger

Gelu

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Rampart

Shooting army through Sharpshooters

Use Gelu on a map that actually makes him available and provides input shooters plus conversion gold. Special availability, town recruitment and conversion are three separate conditions.

Secondary role: A second hero preparing and transferring converted troops where the map permits.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Sharpshooters

Can convert Archers and Wood Elves, including upgrades, into Sharpshooters. Include conversion cost.

Listed starting skills

Basic Archery
Basic Leadership

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Archery · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Sharpshooter

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Open the detailed step-by-step plan →

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (4)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.
Golden BowSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Shooting distance penalty: Removed · Shooting wall penalty: Removed.
For ordinary shooters not yet converted; do not add the same Sharpshooter benefits again.
Bow of Elven CherrywoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: With learned Archery: +5 percentage points.
For learned Archery and actually usable ranged actions.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Archer
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Marksman
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Wood Elf
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Grand Elf
- Creature eligible for conversion
- Example in a tactical plan
Sharpshooter
- Special conversion result
- Example in a tactical plan

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Detailed game plan · Gelu: from shooter recruitment to paid conversion

The following is our tactical analysis of the sourced profile. Choices depend on the actual map, learned spells and army; linked cards provide rules and references.

Check the scenario and input stacks
Gelu is a special Rampart scenario profile rather than a guaranteed first offer in every tavern. His conversion accepts Archers and Wood Elves, including their upgrades. Castle input can therefore be used, but that does not add those troops to Rampart town recruitment.
Budget construction, recruitment and conversion separately
Plan the route to Elves through actual town buildings. Then reserve gold for recruitment and Gelu’s actual conversion offer. Do not automatically upgrade every input first: compare the whole route’s cost, reinforcement availability and how soon the new shooting core can depart.
Sharpshooters still need space
Exploit removed ordinary distance and wall penalties by firing from cover. That does not remove enemy flyers, engagement or every obstacle. Deploy screens against enemy reach while preserving room for the shooters’ next useful action.
Do not equip the same advantage twice
Golden Bow addresses penalties for remaining ordinary shooters; its matching benefit overlaps the Sharpshooters’ own trait. Bow of Elven Cherrywood works with learned Archery. Choose equipment for the actual post-conversion force and compare defense or map movement too.

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Linked commanders and town construction (Czech)

Conditional equipment

Golden Bow
For ordinary shooters not yet converted; do not add the same Sharpshooter benefits again.
Bow of Elven Cherrywood
For learned Archery and actually usable ranged actions.

Pinned rules reference for these profiles ↗

Explore this game’s battlefield lessons →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Kilgor

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Melee army · Behemoth and upgrades

Kilgor suits the Behemoth / Ancient Behemoth line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Behemoths

Adds +10 damage, +5 Attack and +5 Defense to Behemoths and their upgrade.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Behemoth
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +10 base damage · +5 Attack · +5 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Ancient Behemoth
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +10 base damage · +5 Attack · +5 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Necropolis · Deathknight

Lord Haart (Death Knight)

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Necropolis

Melee army · Black Knight and upgrades

Lord Haart (Death Knight) suits the Black Knight / Dread Knight line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Black Knights

Black Knights and their upgrade gain +10 damage, +5 Attack and +5 Defense.

Listed starting skills

Advanced Necromancy

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Advanced Necromancy. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

SlowSourced starting spell
Calculate the target’s new reach and order. Against several attackers, Expert can create breathing room for the whole friendly ranged force.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

SlowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Black Knight
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +10 base damage · +5 Attack · +5 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Dread Knight
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +10 base damage · +5 Attack · +5 Defense · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Mutare

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Dragons

Adds +5 Attack and +5 Defense to dragon creatures. The creature’s dragon classification matters.

Listed starting skills

Basic Estates
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Estates · Basic Tactics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Castle · Knight

Roland

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Castle

Melee army · Swordsman and upgrades

Roland suits the Swordsman / Crusader line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Swordsman

Focuses on Swordsman. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Armorer

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Armorer · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Swordsman
- Sourced specialty target
Crusader
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
SwordsmanBase: 10/12/5	11 (+1)	14 (+2)	6 (+1)
CrusaderBase: 12/12/6	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	7 (+1)

Swordsman: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Crusader: next Attack or Defense change at level 16.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Dungeon · Overlord

Mutare Drake

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Dungeon

Economic and support hero

Use daily income on an additional hero who also collects available resources and transports reinforcements. Compare recruitment cost with remaining days. Do not automatically bench a developed fighter solely because of the income specialty.

Secondary role: A second commander for reinforcements and easier fights, provided this does not slow the main army.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Dragons

Adds +5 Attack and +5 Defense to dragons. This is a separate scenario profile of Mutare.

Listed starting skills

Basic Estates
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Build further choices around the listed skills and the needs of the current army. Choose equipment for the actual bottleneck: survival, attack effectiveness, mana or movement.

Skills I would build around: Basic Estates · Basic Tactics. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Spells for this plan

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell
Finish an urgent weaker target when removing it prevents another action. To conserve mana, compare the actual damage needed with a costlier Lightning Bolt.

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

Magic ArrowSourced starting spell

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Charm of ManaSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Daily mana recovery: +1 mana / day.
For a longer spellcasting expedition. Capacity and daily recovery are separate effects; compare current reserves with the next battle.
Breastplate of Petrified WoodSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Spell Power: +1.
For spells whose damage or duration actually uses magical power. Check the individual spell formula.

All spells in this game →

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Stronghold · Barbarian

Boragus

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Stronghold

Melee army · Ogre and upgrades

Boragus suits the Ogre / Ogre Mage line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Ogre

Focuses on Ogre. The benefit matters when fielding this recruitment line; reassess the hero’s value when switching armies.

Listed starting skills

Basic Tactics
Basic Offence

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Offence. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Ogre
- Sourced specialty target
Ogre Mage
- Normal upgrade of the specialty line

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

For this standard specialty, the pinned reference adds +1 Speed to both base and normal upgraded creatures; Attack and Defense depend on hero development. Gelu’s and Dracon’s special conversions remain separate. Specialty rule ↗

Specialty in numbers · VCMI reference

Compare both forms in the army you actually field. This calculation adds only the specialty to the creature’s base attributes; account for the commander’s Attack and Defense, artifacts and spells separately.

Reference hero level: 10.

Creature base + specialty alone
Creature	Attack	Defense	Speed
OgreBase: 13/7/4	15 (+2)	8 (+1)	5 (+1)
Ogre MageBase: 13/7/5	15 (+2)	8 (+1)	6 (+1)

Ogre: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.
Ogre Mage: next Attack or Defense change at level 12.

Read the bonus and plan the army

The +1 Speed applies even before the first percentage threshold. It benefits these two forms; compare their reach and action order with the opponent.
In this reference, the percentage increases at multiples of tier 4: 5 × floor(level / 4) %. Attack and Defense are scaled separately from their own base values and rounded upward.
A higher percentage may not immediately add another whole point. Use the next change shown for each creature rather than assuming every round hero level is a breakpoint.
An upgrade changes the creature’s own Attack, Defense and Speed. The bonus is not an equal percentage increase in final damage and does not scale the hero’s attributes. Also compare the upgrade’s cost and abilities on its creature card.

Scope: the pinned VCMI implementation with its default 5% growth. This is not an independent measurement of the original Complete/SoD executable or a rule for HotA and mods. Ballista and fixed campaign specialties use separate rules.

Target and +1 Speed ↗ · Default growth ↗ · Level steps ↗ · Rounding ↗

Reference ↗

Source · Game artwork

Inferno · Demoniac

Xeron

Special availability; check the map

How to use this hero

Home faction: Inferno

Melee army · Devil and upgrades

Xeron suits the Devil / Arch Devil line. Prepare a reachable target and compare retaliation with available follow-up attacks. Choose upgrades by abilities and cost too; the specialty alone does not fix a bad engagement.

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Devils

Devils and their upgrade gain +4 Attack, +2 Defense and +1 Speed.

Listed starting skills

Basic Leadership
Basic Tactics

Suggested army and further development

The following is our recommendation. Creatures, spells and items must actually be acquired; this does not establish current inventory.

Maintain reinforcements for this line first. Then build on the listed skills and choose offensive or defensive support for the actual opponent. The specialty’s numerical effect is explained with the connected creatures.

Skills I would build around: Basic Tactics · Basic Leadership. Match further choices to available ranks and the current army.

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Compare effect, slot and acquisition conditions on the item card. A suggestion does not establish that the hero starts with it.

Spells and suitable equipment

The reference profile assigns no starting spell. A scenario can change the starting state.

Equipment suggestions for the plan (2)

Editorial suggestions based on sourced magic or an army plan. These are not starting inventory or guaranteed finds. Check acquisition, slot and rules on the item card.

Centaur’s AxeSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Attack: +2.
For a plan based on the led army’s physical attacks. Its benefit depends on your creatures and opposing defense.
Shield of the Dwarven LordsSuggestion
While equipped the item provides: Defense: +2.
For an army exposed to attacks; compare the protection with the actual incoming damage type.

All spells in this game →

Creatures connected to this hero

Devil
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +4 Attack · +2 Defense · +1 Speed · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗
Arch Devil
- Fixed bonus for a specific recruitment line · +4 Attack · +2 Defense · +1 Speed · fixed bonusVerify this form ↗

A specialty target, conversion and tactical example are different relationships. Check conversion costs and compare individual upgrade forms on creature cards. A tactical example is not a confirmed starting army.

Reference ↗

Hero catalogue

Named heroes and their towns

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

Campaign and special-scenario characters

Standard and reference profiles

How to use this hero

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Archery

Listed starting skills

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Spells and suitable equipment

Creatures connected to this hero

Compare Archery with a creature specialty

Turn construction into shooters in the army

Establish magical support before using it

Equipment must address a concrete limit

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

Conditional equipment

How to use this hero

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Archer

Listed starting skills

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Spells and suitable equipment

Creatures connected to this hero

Connect the specialty with actual skills

Read growth within the specific reference

Double shooting is not double melee attacking

Compare scaling with the line’s role in the whole army

Linked profiles and rules

Creatures for this plan

How to use this hero

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Griffin

Listed starting skills

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Spells and suitable equipment

Creatures connected to this hero

How to use this hero

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Navigation

Listed starting skills

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Spells and suitable equipment

How to use this hero

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Estates

Listed starting skills

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Spells and suitable equipment

How to use this hero

What the profile establishes

Specialty · Swordsman

Listed starting skills

Creatures I would consider

Equipment I would compare

Spells and suitable equipment

Creatures connected to this hero

How to use this hero

What the profile establishes