The Lord is more alive than dead

Based on past reviews, the game is quite playable on Hero difficulty and even easier on Veteran – almost a walk in the park. And I won't even mention Warrior difficulty. I myself played through early pre-release versions on Warrior (because I was still a newbie), and they were much more hardcore. Besides, unlike other factions, Necromancers can create an army practically out of thin air. In general, balance is a very capricious and whimsical master; you can’t just negotiate with it easily.)

For some reason, my spell isn't active.

Has anyone else had a similar problem? It hasn't happened to me once. It should be in Stefan's book of travel spells (did you use “Portal to Town”?). So, unfortunately, I can't help you here This is most likely a technical issue on your end - see points 1 and 3 in the "Warnings" section at the top of the thread.

Vampires also joined me near the portal.

That's how it's supposed to work