Paladin Damage?

[Konaim]

I've been tanking the Dungeons and I notice I get hit VERY hard even though the damage does seem stable. Is this normal or are my stats and gear off? I'm no hardcore player, but I know my rotation and mob priorities for each dungeon. I use defensive cooldowns and mega-potions when needed to alleviate healer strain as well. I don't know if this is the nature of tanking in FF XIV or if I am doing something wrong. I've only wiped once since starting FF XIV and that was one the first boss of Brayflox's longstop, but if this keeps up I've a feeling it's not going to go over well at end game. My wife is my healer and she is curious as well. She had to have another player throw heals my way a few times this past run. Any information will be greatly appreciated.


http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/character/2328033/

[BadRNG]

The jump in damage around your level is normal, it will smooth out a bit later. Remember, you don't actually have your tanking stance yet - that comes at 40 and has a passive 20% damage reduction. Gear may be a slight thing as well, since you're leveling and all.

I wouldn't worry about it too much for now.

[Maelwys]

but if this keeps up I've a feeling it's not going to go over well at end game. My wife is my healer and she is curious as well. She had to have another player throw heals my way a few times this past run. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

As BadRNG says, it's going to be partially gear and partially abilities. You're in the level 30-40 range before your tanking stance, and you're mostly in fairly underpowered white armor.
You can help mitigate it a little by rotating your mitigation cooldowns efficiently and not pulling more than you can handle. Use Sleep (THM) or Respose (WHM) to sleep mobs you're not currently fighting.
You don't have "Stoneskin" or "Mercy Stroke" available yet from cross-class abilities, but you should have access to Foresight, Bloodbath and Cure.

GLD's stun is very effective, especially once you hit 36 and the initial duration goes up to 6 seconds. Don't just use it to interrupt abilities, use it proactively if you need to.
And remember to make use of the -Blind debuff on Flash even if you're not having issues holding hate.

Finally: check your Grand Company Rewards for better armor. There is some very nice kit available at level 31.
If you've not properly kept up with your Company progression, try and hold out until the white "Heavy Steel" set at level 35...

[Tanaya]

I grinded until I got the Calvary Set from Brayflox. That holds you over until level 42 when white gear gets better again.

Brayflox is a difficulty spike and with that is a bump up in damage. Warrior gets Defiance at 30, which gives them an HP boost, while Paladin gets Sword Oath which is a DPS boost. This is why you're gonna take heavier damage. Once you get Shield Oath at 40, it's smooth sailing.

[Konaim]

Thanks for the replies :-) I was trying my best not to focus on gear yet, aside from dungeons and quest. I use all the abilities, cross class and stuns frequently. I've always played a tank in every mmo, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything from this game particularly.I have been leveling my GC but I have yet to purchase any gear from it. Again thanks for the clarification!!