text: Possess items - Heroes may pick up items found in ruins or in hidden tombs. These items increase the hero's or his stack combat abilities, player income, or the ability to cast spells (Warlords III);
  Search ruins and hidden tombs - Heroes may search ruins and hidden tombs to fight a special enemy unit.  If successful, the hero is rewarded with money, items, or allies;
  Receive and complete a quest - A hero may receive a quest from a temple, whereupon completion results in a reward of money, items, or allies.  Only one hero at a time may be on a quest;
  Cast spells - Starting with Warlords III, heroes may gain the ability to cast spells.
  Experience Points - Heroes are the only units to gain experience points by killing enemy units, conquering cities, and completing quests.  More experience results in higher levels, up to a maximum of level 5 (except in Warlords IV) increasing the unit's combat abilities and movement per level.  In Warlords IV the player may keep three units from each battle as a personal retinue. This creates a replayability within the game and allows the player to obtain very high levels with each of the units held in the retinue (well above level 5).