Hint: Using a Hydra:
When surrounded by enemies close by, use the Hydra's attack on any opponent. All of the Hydra's heads will lash out, and kill one of each enemy.

Hint: Getting a good army:
Start with the barbarian and catch some villains. This is easy on Arcathia. Build a very nasty army including pikemen, nomads, knights, archers and lizardmen. If you get an army with over 400 lizardmen it is possible to kill dragons with three strikes.

Hint: Gaining stats from treasure chests:
Approach a treasure box then save the game. Touch the treasure box and you will get one of several options:

100 gold or 2 leadership points.
200 gold or 4 leadership points.
300 gold or 6 leadership points.
400 gold or 8 leadership points.
500 gold or 10 leadership points.
A leprechaun willing to trade a spell if you release him.
A tribe of nomads who give you +1 to spell capacity.
Some minerals that will get a pay raise from queen.

If you do not get the desired treasure, load your game and try again. Note: Do not try for the spell capacity, as it seems to be very rare.

Hint: Character recommendations:
Always start out with the Barbarian. Even though his stats are not too good at the beginning, he brings in a strong troop and rises in rank very quickly. The Sorceress looks the best by the numbers at the start, but she is the hardest because she brings in the weakest of the troops and the villains are stronger against her. The Paladin is average. The Knight is bad. He brings in a strong troop but does not rise in rank because he is already at the top. First time players should choose the Barbarian or the Paladin for these reasons.