Heroes have magical abilities, like healing or blessing units, and some of them can see through the Fog of War and have great skill in combat. The tactical map looks groovy. Melee fighting rules. If your soldiers get severely endangered, they may run away, be overpowered or eradicated. If they run away, and a faster enemy catches them, they will be destroyed.
Zone of control is very important as it determines the unit's domain.
Some units have special abilities that influence basic characteristics by adding bonuses to movement or initiative. Just like in a lot of other fantasy games, the city will determine the types of units produced in it, but there is unfortunately little difference between the characteristics of most units. Terrain will also influence unit behavior and movement. The forests can be passed through, but they can also be used for a cover. There is no way you can command all of your soldiers in battle - you can just order the unit to attack, and the soldiers will do the best that they can.