Hello everyone, I've encountered a problem on the "Hero" difficulty level while playing as the Academy. I first tried playing on a random map as the Orcs, but I dominated Haven for weeks because I only got a lumber mill and a mine (and some gems, but people had already cleared that area, and I just took it; they basically gave it to me). Now I'm trying again as the Orcs, but on the maps built into the game, and it's a bit easier. I'm using magic, distracting neutral creatures with gargoyles, and spamming magic under the Sign of the Elements, but I have to spend the night in the city because I run out of mana. As a result, the start feels a bit slow. Maybe you can give me some advice?

It seems like mages are one of the factions that isn't too difficult to start with. Mana doesn't run out as quickly as it does for necromancers. It's best to build mage guilds as quickly as possible, because the strength of mages lies more in the hero than in the troops. You can boost summoning there, and then you can fight effectively. You can also choose a second school of magic. Footmen can be easily defeated with mines if they appear. You can eliminate archers using the Sign of the Elements, after quickly blocking them with some single-unit gargoyles. If you have the Crystal of Secrets or the Wall of Swords, it's even easier.
In general, you have to look at the situation. It depends on who you're playing as and against, and what spells you have. Heroes are heavily dependent on random events.