Question: How do you tank?

[TouchandFeel]

No you can't be in both stances at the same time, it's one or the other. Offensive mode, Defensive mode. You can easily switch between them though.

Yes you use Convalescence at all levels, mainly to soak incoming damage between tank busters or if there is a prolonged period of high damage. It is usually not used by itself but is often stacked with another of the weaker defensive abilities, like Anticipation.

WAR has tons of "passive" aspects and interactions, arguably more than either of the other tanks. You just need to read into and learn the kit and the way the pieces fit together. For example, WAR is the only tank that gets a passive buff (parry/crit) based on their gauge and how full it is.