I only have an answer for your "hero problem". Try the following: Open the database and choose the "System" tab. Make sure no hero is selected under "1. hero", "2. hero" etc... -> close the DB. Place a new event on the map concerned, set it´s start condition to "Autostart" and fill in the following code:

>(/Your code/text etc...)
>Erase Screen -> Select the desired effect
>Change Party; Add Hero -> Select your initial hero.
>Teleport to the next map
>Show Screen -> Again, select the effect you want

(Refers to the RM2K, but should be similar in RM2K3 (command names could differ))

~RB~