Completely disappeared without a trace. And deserters, who should have been brought back from previous installments of Heroes.

I don't know, I don't know. At first, it was a bit unusual because there were fewer factions. But then, even that number became quite sufficient. Instead of Efreet, there are now Cave Lords. I think they are just as strong. And who are the "glaziki"? Nagas are now "kitties." They also have swords and a certain number of hands. Do you not like them in terms of appearance or characteristics?

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Gnomes and Barbarians are defense and attack))) a confrontation of two characteristics))

So, you can pair them up. "Yin and yang"....;)