Want advice on "how to tank"

[Raestloz]

I have a paladin about to reach level 46, so far things seem to be just fine, but I have never done any content above Qarn as tank, so I'd like some advice on "how to tank" because I feel that end-game content will be different than the standard "grab and stab". I came from White Mage and generally have an idea of "what to NOT do" such as "don't let healers get pwned" but things have progressively become harder than I thought it'd be.

My playstyle as of now:
1. Mark enemies up to number 3 (or 5 if the enemies are not patrolling so we have time) (they're on my mouse buttons)
2. Start with Shield Lob and Flash on target number 1
3. Converge enemies where possible to a cone and move directly behind them so they will fart towards lancers and pugilists (I heard both have mechanics that involve stabbing asses)
4. Use Shield Swipe when I can slip one in (target aggro meter is about 60% or below for DPS)
5. Use Flash every 2-3 combos or so, or when the blind falls off
6. Use Fight or Flight before engagement, pop Rampart directly before melee targets arrive at kissing distance
7. If there are only two targets, Fast Blade target 1, Savage Blade Target 2, RoH target 1.
8. If there are more than 3 targets at once and we're mid-combat, mark 3 targets, and once target one dies, re-assign marks (so target 2 becomes 1, 3 becomes 2, a new target becomes 3)
9. Assign "Do Not Attack 1" when target should not be attacked (such as copperbell easy last boss when an add comes through, or halatali's boss when gw fires pour out), re-assign to target 1 if adds are dead

The "problems":
1. I sometimes forget to use Flash and a few hits get to healer. What do you guys do to remind yourself about his?
2. I try to grab distant targets when I'm busy (attacking a target) with shield lob, but it doesn't seem to be enough. I forget to use Provoke most of the time. What do you guys do in this situation?
3. If I can't grab distant targets, I usually will physically walk to them and spam Flash, this of course means that my current target will move too (if it's melee), presenting problem to melee allies
4. I usually forget to use Convalescence. When do you use it?
5. Sometimes there are people that AoE the whole mob. How do you deal with that situation? I usually spam Flash but I run out of mana pretty quickly with that. I know that I generally don't use mana for anything else, but I like to keep my mana at certain threshold so I can use one last Flash if I need to. Is popping Riot Blade enough for this? How often and when?

Any advice is appreciated

[SpookyGhost]

1. Flash 2-3 times at the start as opposed to just the 1. Once you hit 50 you'll also have access to Circle of Scorn which will help a lot as it puts a DOT on all the enemies in a circle. Initial aggro counts for a lot, so it's safer to Flash a few times and let the healers heal rather than Flash once, wait a few combos, and Flash again. Also make sure to tab target when you get a nice lead on #1 - typically it's nearly dead before aggro becomes a problem.
2. Provoke is better if you're trying to grab from a distance, then when it gets close use Shield Lob and an un-comboed Rage of Halone.
3. Don't walk to them. If you have melee in your group, moving the mob just makes it take longer. If you can't reach it with Provoke or Shield Lob just wait it out.
4. When you're in need of healing and don't have other cooldowns to blow. You'll know when you need to press it.
5. AOEing before 50 is kinda silly, but if they're doing it then your only option is to Flash and replenish with RB. You can usually just Flash til half, FB->RB->Flash->FB->Flash->RB->etc. If there's a Bard in your group, ask them to sing Ballad.

[Raestloz]

Thanks! So, if I use multiple Flashes, should I just use FoF AFTER the flashes or before Shield Lob like usual?

[SpookyGhost]

I usually never bother with FoF on trash pulls, but iirc (correct me if I'm wrong someone) it does affect Flash's aggro so, if that's the case, popping it before SL would be optimal. Otherwise, pop it after your Flashes. It's likely you won't need to use FoF for trash tho, so it might be better to save it for snap aggro on a patrolling mob or if you need to burn certain trash faster. Just make sure it's up when you get to a boss and you're solid.

[Mikedizzy]

I am going to be leveling my PLD next and this was a lot of good information...thanks so much.

[Paikis]

I usually never bother with FoF on trash pulls, but iirc (correct me if I'm wrong someone) it does affect Flash's aggro so, if that's the case, popping it before SL would be optimal. Otherwise, pop it after your Flashes. It's likely you won't need to use FoF for trash tho, so it might be better to save it for snap aggro on a patrolling mob or if you need to burn certain trash faster. Just make sure it's up when you get to a boss and you're solid.

FoF doesn't affect Flash. FoF boosts damage done, and Flash doesn't do any.

[Raestloz]

What if healer draws aggro (maybe I don't manage mine properly) and provoke is on cooldown? should I best?only shield Lob and hope for the best?

[Bamboofox]

If I don't have Provoke and someone peels aggro, I (after hoping the person doesn't run away) usually Shield Bash the target to stun it and hold it still long enough for an uncombo'd Rage of Halone. That seems to work in most cases.

[Paikis]

What if healer draws aggro (maybe I don't manage mine properly) and provoke is on cooldown? should I best?only shield Lob and hope for the best?

Fast Blade -> Shield Bash -> Spirits Within -> Savage Blade -> Rage of Halone

Stuns the mob in place and lets you wind up an Halone combo as well as using Spirits Within if it isn't already on cooldown.

[KoujiGeki]

Let's over zealos dds die.