Heroes of Might and Magic V [Game Discussion]

Here's how the Nivala designer reassured us:

There is no such thing as rounds.
Each unit gets a turn with individual frequency.
When Defend is activated, the unit will get its next turn twice as fast. Until it gets its next turn, the unit has a bonus in the Defence parameter equal to 30% of its current value.
Something like that.

Only... some things are very difficult to explain in words... For example, about the absence of rounds and the introduction of initiative. In reality, it's much easier to understand (it turns out to be very confusing in words, I agree!).