I was just interested in some discussion about a good way to play it out the first 1 or 2 hours (real time) , and some comments on how I usually do it.
This could turn out to be quite long but what the heck.
Well for me after getting the plugen search quest I leave all units except one stack, not buying anything either. I get the donations quest and the black box one. Run straight to froglover in arlania and get that quest.
All free stuff nearby. Off to swamps, check tavern, ferry to witch. Get dwarfquest, buy available poisonous animals. Talk to feanora. Chest behind butory, see what paladin sells, accept crypt blessing. Sneak by to magic recipe, scaraphogus, coffins (pray for vampires) graves. Deliver purse, accept enemen, see what temple sells. Run straight to arlania harbor, check tavern, accept dragon tooth. Accept floating chests. Take boat to verlon docks. pick up all free stuffs on the way back to arlania. Land on griffin island and accept nest and crown quests, some free stuff. Return chests. boat towards greenworth. much stuff to get. in greenworth get fisherman quest and speaking stone, all free stuff. Beat bandit. Avoid buying units I know I wont like to use. hopefully got bats! Go to king, next quest. Boat to Carl, deliver royal seal. back. Rage box quest, run and get it. back. Give sleem ur poisonous units .
I guess I have to stop here... But what Im hoping for with this is to see exactly what spells, units and items are available nearby. Get some quick cash and leadership. 2 reasonable quick spirits. Now I have an idea what Im saving money for and can think about units combos and a relative gameplan. Then I just beat turtle immidiately when no losses are guaranteed. And it all starts over... Free stuff all over islands and see what units,items and spells are there. Accept quests if its on my way. Probably pay half membership to brotherhood and do old hoarse and the ransom quest all the way to pirate crops. Will do bandana for a quick clear eye diamond.
Still, I have the feeling this is not the way the record guys would ever go