Some examples include the hulking, skull-fisted jaguar warriors (Stronghold) the floating, feminine radiant glory (Haven) the corpulent, spike-limbed breeder (Inferno) and the desiccated, sphinxian lamasu (Necropolis).
Regardless of which faction you choose, the creatures are all richly detailed and appealing. The creatures also draw on Eastern inspiration, including slithering, four-armed samurais (kenseis) and ethereal, kimono-clad water spirits (snow maidens). The blue and green temples of a Sanctuary town feature the curved eaves of Japanese pagodas and sit atop flowing waterfalls. The Sanctuary faction, on the other hand, is entirely new and makes a great addition to the existing roster. The medieval Haven, hellish Inferno, and ghoulish Necropolis factions will be instantly familiar to veterans of the series, as might the snarling Stronghold faction introduced in Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East. Each faction has a different town in which it can construct unique buildings and recruit seven faction-specific creature types. Whether you play one of the campaigns, a one-off game, or a multiplayer match, you must choose from one of the five factions.
