So, it turns out I did have a bug with those artifacts.
I collected everything the same way, but there were no animated sprites or dates. And the prophet went on a bender, locking himself in his hut. Oh well :)

+5? I'm just looking at the 3rd manual now, and it says +2. I don't remember for sure, my memory is failing me :)). But +5 still seems like a lot for a level 6 unit.

Veteran... probably that's why the Necropolis has better troops. I was playing through this mission with a Warrior :)