Walkthroughs for custom maps.

"I don't believe it!" (S) Rince, so you are the author of this map – Rincewind?
If that’s the case, I expect a reasonable explanation! I have long wanted to talk to one of these authors and find out what goes on in their heads.
In this case: if gates are needed, then we put gates. Camouflage only serves to confuse the player or to show how “cool” an author is because they can pull off such tricks. But the fact is that the patch for the editor that allows this was released about 10 years ago, and the authors had already “played around” with it back then. However, apparently, everyone who learns about this for the first time will happily start using object replacement. I used to download one Chinese map where almost all objects turned out to be not what they seemed. I deleted it immediately and forgot the name!
However, the reason in this case may be as follows: map creators from HeroesPortal consider "ordinary" maps and ordinary methods of creating them boring and go "all-in." Here is a series of maps by one of those authors. I think it is worth reminding that not all players like such techniques.
Yes, here, here, I just gave such an example. Do you like it?
But at the same time, I think the "Paragon" map is excellent! I especially liked the artwork; there is a large, well-developed story presented in small portions so as not to tire the player; it is clear that the map is thought out and made very carefully. It will definitely remain in my collection. Later, I will try to complete it, but for now, I have only played through the first week, stopping after capturing Lord Mograine's native castle – Stonehelm. It is already clear that the map is not for beginners: right from the start, you need to fight very carefully, thinking through the tactics of each battle.
But there is something else that I completely disagree with: author’s tips in event texts are very good, but, in my opinion, they should be given at the beginning, and not on day 500! Especially this (about artifacts):

PLOT-RELATED ones, i.e., those without which completing the map will become absolutely impossible:
* Books of Water, Fire, and Earth magic. There are 4 books of Earth; they are issued almost simultaneously, and losing even one will be fatal.

And so on. What is the point of the player finding out what skills are needed to complete the game at the very end?! True, the most necessary ones are available from the start or are given in huts along the way.
And the question about camouflaged border gates will inevitably arise for every player when he encounters an inexplicable appearance of enemies: "WTF? What the hell?!"
However, thank you very much for answering players' questions in the discussion of the map on HeroesPortal! This helps overcome the difficulties that have arisen.
By the way, regarding bugs in the game itself (if you don't already know): most of them have already been fixed in the HD mod.