No hero in battles?
 

I noticed hero (got a paladin) doesn't appear in battles in the demo so none of his habilities are available, is this normal? playing with a bunch of peasants, 4 archers and few soldiers doesn't get you too far.

It is absolutely normal, in KB during battles you can act as a hero himself, only use magic and later Spirits of Rage. Also most of his skills influence your units during the battle.

Don't forget to buy more troops at the castle and various other creature lairs.

(looks like a tutorial of some sort would've been in order)

Well they seem to take certain skills for granted :P and remember that the first training bits serve a bit as a tutorial as well as just great fun (I never do seem to get tired of that first battle against the dragon :D )

Hehe, I like to imaging that my character is standing up on a nearby hill throwing Fireballs down onto the battlefield. As for the other Heroes, imagine them cowering behind trees and bushes slinging spells around them. :cool: