1) you can play w/o grinding, it leaves your avatar weaker for his level, cuz exp is gained ridiculously fast, but still is ok
2) generic npc are way more powerful than most players, prem items don't make one god. HR is the key.
I like the random part, and the only unbalanced mission so far is level 2 Forest Stalker. It's harder than any other chap.1 mission lv.5. Other than that, just use your brain and you'll be fine. P.S. ice mages rock.
really nice graphics, but the game is too easy once u get a hold of it. also, raiding all rival families districts at once, and then buying out the last one they take during that turn, is too obvious of exploit. cheers.