Yar, ya crushed me! Congratulations.

I haven't started investigating those hidden books yet - when I get a chance I'll check that out - looks like a whole 'nother world!

I am totally tapped out, I think. I have no idea how you beat some of those levels (especially the purple ones - ESPECIALLY the ice/fire level). One of these days I'll also try the "alien" version.

I also hope future generations read this thread and find some enjoyment in our ramblings and decide to give the game a try this way as well.

The purple ones weren't easy. The easiest was final boss. Just move your units with him.
Ice-fire was most difficult one, with the exception perhaps of priest-barbarian. The trick to those was: move your units around. You have lots of psi on only 2 units, so have them attack units as they appear, then just delete and put in a better place.
This was especially true on the barbarian-knight level. Initially I had each one cover one path. Big mistake. Instead have both of them together on one. Knight in front to break armor, and barbarian behind to finish off. If the attackers on the other side get too close, then delete both of them, put them right in front of those monsters and let them do their job. Repeat. Keep switching them between left and right and use spells, especially lightning as necessary.
Similar thing with ice-fire. Also, don't be afraid to put them together. The concentrated fire makes up for their spells cancelling each other. And having them too far apart, allows revenants to heal.

I heard somewhere (I can't remember where) that the record with Heoric mode was 199 stars. I want to meet that guy... I suppose it involves studying patterns, and choosing the right skills and for each level with lots of micromanagement.

Anyway, I'm such a goober I fired it up and just beat "Zelemir Appears", which gives me what I think is my first obisidian skull.

No clue what to spend it on, and I'm petrified I'll buy the wrong thing and then never get another one! Now I want to keep polishing 'em off, ha ha!

I'm really thinking about buying Evni and trying the knigh/barbarian purple level.

Try the final purple boss. That one was easiest.

Done. Obsidian skull #2. Now I can really think this through and grab a couple of goodies.

Why was the bow your first purchase?

+100% chance of light. With only one priest I thought the dark creatures could be a problem if priest can't cover all paths. Having an archer that casts light helps (later my second sword for the knight also had this ability).

For another obsidian, try the super sheep. Dragon on psi duty (boost 2). Barbarian and knight frogjump the supersheep, with ice mage and archer attacking it too. Priest should cover all four with maximised inspire!

When the supersheep is in the top right half, max up the dragon so she attacks it too, but disable its fire attacks.

Keep casting maxed up Fury. Don't waste psi on any other spells. Furious start is a useful book, since every time you reposition your knight or barbarian they'll have fury too. When only one of them can attack the sheep make sure it's barbarian.
Also, while having your guys outside priest's inspire won't be fatal, it will be for the barbarian, who'll be thorned to death.

EDIT: Also, give the mage the upgraded staff that has x3 damage vs sheep.