Pillagers are hostile Illager variants that are armed with a powerful crossbow. Pillagers were officially described as a new type of Illager. They are found patrolling the world in groups, raids and in pillager outposts. They will see and pursue villagers from up to 100 blocks away!

They ride on ravengers during raids!

What are they? To me, they were villagers that were turned into monsters by using Redstone or another powerful source by the Vindicators.

Often, you see Pillager Outposts around villages.

A raid happening? Get your best gear!

Any around your house? Stay in unless you have great gear, a thing of milk (If the leader is there), and fight 'em!

I think the Crossbow was added for the Pillage update, so I say its a fact!

I don't know what they're scared of.
"Once you defeat a village raid you get the Hero of the village effect"-WaterPerson

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