In the next patch, inventories will be made available for all persistent heroes (including custom ones), as well as regular Stonelords and Gryphon Riders. Heroes will now be able to carry healing potions with them - as well as equippable items. When AI units die, they will now have a chance to drop items like weapons and shields, which when equipped provide your hero with a bonus (replacing the bonus given by the equivalent technology upgrade).Below is a screenshot of the custom hero Virfir with his unique throwing axe, Toporik:
