I tried playing on Veteran difficulty. I liked it (despite the faction I dislike). At first, I got a little stuck – I thought the imprisoned Rutger was in the dungeon on the island. I gathered my strength, fought them off, and was surprised (by how the dungeon changes people!). I sailed further. I landed where possible, searching for the mythical yellow tent; if the border guard can look like a pile of rubble, then the tent could be anything. I reached the demons, but I couldn't defeat them all at once (three armies, difficulty: high, medium, medium, Deleb, Grog, Nibros, and some smaller units). I defeated two, opened a path, and with reinforcements, I crushed the remaining ones; by the way, Grog had already returned with a more substantial army. The losses were significant. I didn't have time to find the Tear, I defeated Hafiz (lost 7 Archangels), and then... Orlando. Mid-4th month, army of 400 archers, 160 monks, 30 angels. The game reached a stalemate.
Is it normal that this overfed guy pays such a timely visit?
Are there any "War Shackles" on the map (with which I could reduce losses and, possibly, counter Orlando)?

Dear Player100, you seem to have lingered a bit too long in the starting city :) Greystone is an important strategic location, so you need to liberate it as soon as possible. And then you can start accumulating strength and money. All the conditions are there: 2 cities, Ellaine, and the Tear, which lies in the dungeons of Greystone (the Royal Mausoleum). And the key to the Mausoleum must be sought in the old family crypt of Giovanni. And if you take Giovanni's Castle, you'll also get a daily income. As the highly respected Stass wrote, the most important thing for people is MORE MONEY :D I agree, the map isn't the easiest. But easy and simple isn't interesting. Orlando doesn't always escape from his imprisonment. The more you weaken the demons, i.e., the more you destroy those who have ventured into your lands, the slower Orlando gains strength.
I didn't quite understand about "War Shackles," what is that?
I wish you good luck in completing the map!

Added 7 minutes later

There are no worthy artifacts either. I need to replay it...

There are worthy artifacts on the map, and even very worthy ones. Just the boots of speed on Anteres are worth something!!! But, as usual, worthy artifacts don't lie around just anywhere ;) Take a look at the angelic mountain; there's a very worthy ring there. The knight's set is also useful. And what about the dwarf set:rolleyes: Not to mention the skull of Marquel and the book of dark spells. If you properly develop a knight hero + dress him up, you'll get something very scary and formidable for those who stand in his way :)
I wish you success again)
P.S. If you have any difficulties, write. I'm happy to help)