Walkthroughs for custom maps.

Yes, of course, 200%. I chose the Minotaurs because this bonus seemed more dynamic to me. I took the Shrine of the Ancients because of the quest. It's clear that +8 attack will be better for the final battle. Although, the main thing is to take the first city, and then everything can be overcome. Maybe, if I'm not too lazy, I'll replay it sometime.

Taking the starting city is important, of course, but it's far from the most important thing. In essence, this stage doesn't cause any problems. Is everything else really that easy to overcome when the starting army is 10 times smaller? It looks like a hasty conclusion.

Added 15 minutes ago
And also, early pass-fighting helps a lot here, but I managed to complete the game without pass-fighting in the first month. But the Logician was used in the walkthrough – it was taken on day 141. But I don't impose any artificial restrictions; you can level up as you like and, if you want, generate a corresponding Tazar. I just emphasize that this is not necessary.