After gaining enough mana, your ancient will grant you powers during an attack. Each ancient has three abilities that you can be used. For example, the starting ancient, Sulric, has a area fireball attack, an armor buff for your troops, and the ability to summon a fire elemental. The fire elemental summon is very useful, as it essentially gives you one more troop to control. It has a lot of health and can do lots of damage.
Attacking
Always try to protect your Wardens, especially when you are relying on them to do most of the damage. Send in your soldiers first to take the attention of the enemy towers, then send in your Wardens next. The soldiers will allow your Wardens time to fire some shots.
Defense
Walls are an important part of your base's defense. They can will allow you more time when attacked by other players. However some units, such as Wardens, can attack over walls due to their range.
Gold
The easiest and fastest way to get gold is by attacking other players. When first starting you have an immunity shield that remains for about ten hours. During this time, target players that have poor defenses. Destroy all their buildings to collect gold. However, make sure that your own base is prepared defensively before the immunity expires.