Gold increases based on the area you're in. Each area has a coefficient based on which the gold found is multiplied. As for the runes, it's based on the chect. If it is a dug up chest, it's always 1 of a kind. If it's a map chest, it's 1-3 of a kind (random). In addition to that, the neatness skill in the mind tree allows you to break items for runes and crystals (1-5 runes of a kind or 1-7 crystals) and is very useful.
As for what's new, I should add that many units went through a stat overhaul. Health has been increased for almost all units, which makes it tougher to kill, which in term, improves the chance of no-loss victories.
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