- Anvil Empires pagans are the hostile NPC-style force players rally against in large-scale sieges.
- Siege rams are the centerpiece of pagan base assaults and require coordinated crews.
- Breach discipline — moving together, holding, then pushing as one — decides most pagan fights.
- Cultural victory does not necessarily end the war, so keep fighting after the first objective falls.
- Numbers win sieges: quick reaction forces and disciplined grouping beat solo heroics.
Who Are the Pagans in Anvil Empires?
In Anvil Empires' persistent multiplayer world, the term "pagans" refers to the opposing cultural bloc that players clash with during pre-alpha warfare. Because the game is built around massive, player-driven empires, conflicts against pagan-held territory quickly escalate into large siege operations involving dozens of combatants, siege rams, towers, and coordinated breach pushes.
Early pre-alpha footage shows exactly what these engagements look like in practice — chaotic voice comms, ram crews shouting positioning calls, and defenders scrambling to repel attackers once the walls give way.
Video Highlights:
- The first recorded pagan siege assault in the Anvil Empires pre-alpha
- Ram crew coordination: "hop on," "back it up," and alternating ram hits
- Tower entry attempts and QRF (quick reaction force) counter-attacks by defenders
- Post-breach discipline: "Move together — together, boys — push now"
- Discussion of whether a cultural victory actually ends the war
Sieges against pagans are won by organization, not individual skill. Players who stay grouped, follow ram calls, and push breaches together consistently outperform scattered fighters.
Pagan Siege Roles and Comparison
Every successful pagan siege assigns players to distinct roles. Understanding how these roles compare helps you pick the right job before the ram starts moving.
| Role | Primary Job | Skill Floor | Impact on Siege |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ram Crew | Push and steer the battering ram into walls | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Breach Infantry | Push through gaps in tight formation | Medium | ★★★★★ |
| QRF / Reserve | React to counter-attacks and flankers | Medium | ★★★★ |
| Scout | Track enemy movement and call positions | Low | ★★★ |
| Rear Guard | Protect the ram from behind | Low | ★★★ |
Ram Crew
- Highest impact role
- Simple tasks: board, back up, advance
- Requires listening to calls
Breach Infantry
- Decisive at wall gaps
- Must move as one unit
- Holds, then pushes on command
QRF Defender
- Stops counter-raids
- Mobile and reactive
- Buys time for the ram crew
Never stand in the ram's path. During the first pagan siege, constant calls of "get out of the way of the ram — save the ram" show how easily undisciplined players block their own siege engine.
Step-by-Step: Running a Pagan Siege
Mass and Group Up
Assemble outside engagement range and form a single grouping point. Wait for the ram to arrive before committing anyone to the walls.
Escort the Ram Forward
Assign crew to the ram and a rear guard behind it. Back the ram up when space is needed, then advance it to the target wall with everyone blocking for it.
Beat Down the Wall
Alternate ram hits in rhythm. Defenders may drop from towers or send a QRF — your reserve force intercepts them while the crew keeps swinging.
Form at the Breach
Once the wall opens, do not trickle in. Stack at the breach, hold, and wait for the push command.
Push Together and Clear
Move as a single body through the gap — "together, boys" — and clear the interior room by room before regrouping.
The single most repeated call in the first pagan siege was "together." Breach pushes that waited and moved as a block succeeded; individuals who ran in early were isolated and cut down.
Defending Against Pagan Assaults
If you're on the defending side, your goal is to delay the ram and punish disorganized attackers.
| Defensive Tactic | How It Works | Best Used Against |
|---|---|---|
| QRF drop | Rapid force deploys onto the ram escort | Small ram crews |
| Tower overwatch | Fire and harass from elevated positions | Approaching infantry |
| Counter-surround | Box attackers against their own ram | Overextended pushes |
| Mobile retreat | Fall back in fighting order, punish chasers | Losing the wall |
Towers provide warmth and overwatch during long sieges, but they are not safe zones — attackers will attempt to enter and clear them. Always plan a fallback line before the wall breaks.
Cultural Victory and the War After
A common misconception from the official Discord is that the game ends once a cultural victory is claimed. Based on available pre-alpha information, that does not appear to be the case — wars continue after the first major objective falls, and surviving forces are expected to escape, regroup, and keep fighting.
Pagan Siege Checklist:
- Assemble at a single grouping point before the ram arrives
- Assign ram crew, rear guard, and QRF roles
- Keep the ram's path clear of friendly players
- Stack and hold at the breach before pushing
- Move together through the gap and clear systematically
- Regroup and prepare for the next objective after victory
Even winning sides need an exit. Coordinated retreats — running far from the fallen position in dispersed groups — preserve your force for the next fight rather than feeding stragglers to pursuers.
FAQ
Q: Who are the pagans in Anvil Empires?
Pagans are the opposing cultural force players fight in Anvil Empires' persistent world. During the pre-alpha, clashes with pagan-held positions take the form of large player-organized sieges featuring rams, towers, and breach assaults.
Q: What is the most important role in a pagan siege?
The ram crew has the highest impact, since the battering ram is what actually opens the walls. However, breach infantry discipline — stacking, holding, and pushing together — is what converts a broken wall into a captured position.
Q: Does the game end when a cultural victory is claimed?
Despite a common belief on the official Discord that the game is over after a cultural victory, available pre-alpha evidence suggests it is not — the war continues, and forces are expected to regroup and keep fighting.
Q: How do I stop blocking my own ram?
Stay off the ram's path entirely. If you're not on the crew, screen ahead or behind it. When the crew calls 'back it up,' clear the area immediately so the ram can reposition.