Creature Specialists
The creature specialist has one creature for which it bestows a bonus above the normal bonus for the hero's attack and defense rating. Fiona the demoniac, for example, specializes in hell hounds and cerberi, while Sorsha the knight specializes in swordsmen and crusaders. Creature specialists boost the speed, attack, and defense of any such creatures serving in their army. The speed bonus is an immediate +1 to speed. The attack and defense ratings, though, don't become available until the hero attains the same level as the creature. Thus, Fiona won't grant her hell hounds a +1 to attack and defense until she reaches third level, the same level as hell hounds. Sorsha likewise won't benefit her swordsmen until she reaches fourth level. Only hire a creature specialist as your starting hero in a multiplayer game or individual scenario if that hero specializes in first- or second-level creatures. The boost in speed and attack for archers that Valeska brings to your forces is very powerful in the early game, especially because you gain an immediate speed advantage over other ranged units. In all other cases, you are better off hiring creature specialists after you've started the game.

Recommended starting creature specialists: Piquedram (gargoyles), Gretchin (goblins), Tyraxor (wolf riders), Drakon (gnolls), Galthran (skeletons), Valeska (archers), Shakti (troglodytes)

Spell Geniuses
The spell geniuses have one spell that they can cast at greater proficiency than a normal spellcaster. Spell geniuses thus cast spells with increased efficiency, dealing slightly more damage, having longer durations, or other increased effects. The most important aspect of a spell genius, though, is that they start play with that particular spell, no matter what level it is. The most powerful spell geniuses can thus serve as an awesome early bonus. Solmyr, for example, is a wizard that starts play with chain lightening, which means he can obliterate four low-level enemy stacks at once. Such an ability cannot be underestimated in the early game as it gives you a huge tactical advantage. All spell geniuses start with enough spell points to cast their spell.

Recommended starting spell geniuses: Melodia (fortune), Xyron (inferno), Aislinn (meteor shower), Deemer (meteor shower), Solmyr (chain lightening), Cyra (haste), Thant (animate dead)