Whats a tank?

Hi guys Azure here. so I've always wanted to get into tanking since the early days, but I was always afraid of the huge responsibility that comes with it, and if the party wipes due to my errors i would feel really bad. I've mostly played the DDs which is fairly easy since all i do is just attack,,, Healing once in a while but sometimes i kinda got bored not being able to get to much into the action. also again afraid if pt dies woul be my fault cause im suppose to keep them alive lol. but i digress. a lot. lol anywho

Im just looking for any tips veteran tanks may have for a new guy? I mostly solo (or join FC in fates) but i want to learn more about dungeon runs. of course im familiar with hate though sometimes i find myself unable to keep it. I think about level 24 or 25 gld (PLD) all my classes are lvl 15 at least and im working on getting my cnj to 24 whm for SS. i know how to utilize flash and provoke as well as some other skills or rotations. i guess my main concern is actually running the dungeon without killing everyone.

i figure when i get to a group of mobs i would flash them once or twice to get aggro before healer would heal me and develop their own hate. maybe provoke any straggler they turns on someone else. would it be absolutely necessary for me to constantly change targets on mob to make sure they are all on me? or flash every other 10 seconds? i know marking my targets for everyone to focus on is important but how do i tel which mob from the group would take highest priority to kill first? while in dungeons as dps i tried to pick up on some of the tanks fighting styles and i can figure out some of the mobs that will need to be dealt with asap. I'm just getting into late game as a 46 nin. just defeated Garuda. just as well, any dungeon after Haukkue Manor (i think i spelled that wrong but you know what i mean) i've only done once or twice and havent had much a chance to observe priority mobs. any advice tips from the pros would hep though :P thanks again guys!

-Azure

There are bad runs, and there are good runs. Know it all dps with no responsibilities will crap on you from time to time over tiny mistakes. You will make mistakes that lead to party wipes. Personally I learn all content on my heals, pay attention to the tanks and what they are doing, and then try tanking.

First and foremost always have the d-bag blinders on.
Talk to the group upon starting the instance especially dungeons, communication is key for a smooth run.
Start with a Shield lob (if available).Once you get a mob gathered always Flash 2-3 maybe even 4 times to get the aggro up on you. 3 is usually the norm.
Rotating through the mob will surely help in maintaining aggro, especially if AOE's are going off.
Keep an eye on those aggro meters and the monster HP bars will give you an idea of who is attacking what.
If you see a monsters HP going down quickly and its not the one you are attacking, switch to that one.
Provoke those that you lose aggro on and is beating down someone, may need to have your attack rotation pre-charged for maximum aggro generation depending on your level
Marking targets, seems optional, most people will watch what you hit first and go after that.
The dungeon and your group ilvl will depend heavily on how hard you need to work to maintain aggro.
DPS can handle the hits if they are high ilvl in low level dungeons
Don't be afraid to ask your group for help, most people will help. I have learned the most from the people in my group, when asked. Of course you will run into that other person.
Good luck.

This thread have a very nice and fun visual guide to tanking. You SHOULD read:

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...ide-to-Tanking

But please, don't necro it lol yw

Thanks a bunch everyone! I will defiantly do everything you have mentioned! an I will take guide too! :D