Random heroes?

[joasoz]

Hi ppl

I am on my third go at the game playing as Mage on Hard (both 1 and 2 ended on Verona due to low money). On my first two tries I was learning the game and not focused enough on details (like getting Grand Strategy for the +Leadership).

This time though I have Grand Strategy, I have two items giving me +30% critical strike and I have ancient phoenix doing wonders. I am now back at Verona and doing fine with 180 000 gold, Royal Griffins, Inquisitors, Royal Snakes, Giants and Palandins.

Then to my question. On my second round playing I avoided the Hero on Verona with an army of excecutioners and went to the area with the two weak bear armies (north towards the bridge crossing to the next continent. This time though this Hero is also there, BUT there are also at least two extra heroes that I just cannot remember from my last game. Are there random Heroes or am I dreaming? One of them is patrolling at the pier/castle in the main area of Verona. He is pale and shiny like a ghost (level 22 or something). Another is further towards the bridge and he looks like giant. I believe I even saw a third that was a firefly.

Is it just Alzheimer on my part?