One Hero

I agree with Ku. I'm glad that work on the map is continuing. My suggestions are to be more attentive and critical. Juss456 wrote very detailed comments about the "initial flaws" (message #8, starting with "More minor flaws"), and I decided not to repeat them (I couldn't see them all myself).

Juss456, I have no doubt that this map is the author's first attempt. I'm not against unconventional thinking, and I even support it. This work is presented for general review and discussion, which implies that it is about 90% ready, but in reality, it's just outlines and sketches for a future map. Therefore, my assessment is that the map still needs a lot of work and shouldn't be rushed for publication. Imagine you go to a dentist to treat your teeth. He's a beginner, and he starts treating them in a way that's not quite right. This is getting off-topic, so it's best to wrap it up. As far as I can tell, the author's ideas are already heading in the right direction.
It turned out to be long, I will share my thoughts about Alaric tomorrow, I apologize for the unintentional "novel with a sequel."

Added 23 hours 6 minutes ago

If I remember correctly, Alaric has +1% speed per level. With "magic of speed" (i.e., 30% initiative right away), by level 10, he will be casting "haste" at the level of a skilled light mage. With 10 upgrades, you can easily get skilled dark magic with "mind control." ("slow" is given at the start -40% initiative). This should be enough to easily defeat neutral creatures. I got 9 levels on this map in two turns. By that time, the Castle is not built, and only the starting troops are available. "Retribution" doesn't play a role in this scenario (even with skilled leadership, it will take almost a month to gather a significant number of troops), and Alaric's special ability combined with "Battle Spell" is already beneficial. Now, if you want, you can take light magic - skip the "righteous wrath" perk. Strictly speaking, the "archery" skill is the least useful for Alaric, especially if the opponent is a barbarian: only a miracle (like "empathy") will prevent the centaurs from going before the human archers, and there will be little left of them. But starting with archers and the archery perk is easier. That's why I wrote that it's better not to fill the "attack" slots at the start. Everyone can decide for themselves what is most important in a given situation. Now about the bonus upgrades. We need to decide, are we for simplifying or complicating the start? Option one: then red archers, they are better for most cases, and add 2 adepts to them. These give a stronger "punishing strike" than seraphs, and they are easier to keep alive. Option two: white archers, without higher-tier units. Knights without changes.
In general, the author of the map (and the map) has the freedom to decide what and how to arrange.