DPS possibly looking to start tanking.

[Exponentially]

As the title suggests, I've mostly played DPS/supports in the years I've been playing MMOs, never a straight tank. Since I've recently gotten my DRG to 50, I've been looking for something else to do, as I really don't really feel like I have an impact on fights as a melee DPS. One of the alternatives I've been looking into is a tank. Now, for WP or AK, I usually run in a 4 man with my significant other (tank), and 2 other friends. Obviously, for 8 man content, a tank would be a bit of a change of pace, not to mention awesome since the second tank would always be in the same room, but I'm not sure which suits me, or even if the role suits me for that matter. In playing MMOs for so many years, I find that I can play any role, but am totally unable to tell what I enjoy playing anymore.

-1500 chars

[Exponentially]

For example, I know how to tank reasonably well, but I'm not so sure I'd say it's something I enjoy. Then again, the most experience I have is a protection paladin in WoW. So, for all the tank veterans out there, I ask: what makes a tank, a tank?

For the record, I have GLD at 17 or so, and I keep asking myself if things will get more involved. I like to have lots of options and things to do. When a class gets rote and mechanical, I find myself getting bored. The other option open to me is SMN/SCH (which intrigues me from a utility standpoint), but I am completely unsure what I want to do next.

I posted something similar on the DPS forums, but hopefully the tank forums can give me some new insight.

Thanks in advance.

[AeresSilverfox]

I am not sure if i can answer your question but aside from learning the special mechanics unique to each boss fight (e.g. tank has to run here at this time, stun botting, silence botting etc), PLD is quite generally all about:

the Rage of halone combo and rotating your cooldowns in the most efficient manner given the situation

So, yes, it can get quite mechanical for PLD. If that puts you off, then PLD might not be for you. It is definitely a rewarding class to play however.

If what i said takes PLD off the table for you, then instead, i could recommend Archer/Bard for you. Bard is very versatile and also a class that is very involved once you come to Coil. Definitely one of the most important contributors.

[Gamemako]

PLD is pretty godsdamned boring. You'll be mashing your Rage of Halone combo all day for all of eternity. Things will get a bit more technical in endgame content, but you'll be running Dzemael with nothing but Flash and Rage of Halone to keep you company. If you're already bored with GLA, you're not going to make it to 50. WAR is a lot more involved and lot more fun. Nothing like finishing your level 35 quest, walking down the shoreline, and tanking Cancer without a healer. That said, if you're doing this for endgame content, you'll find WAR wanting. Everything can be done with at least one WAR, but it's a clear third-rate tank by the end.

Note also that you really can't do both Scholar and Summoner at the same time. You set your bonus points for Arcanist, which carries into both, so your bonus points will be wrong for one of the two jobs (SCH is MND, SMN is INT).

[GramkarSilverpaw]

Note also that you really can't do both Scholar and Summoner at the same time. You set your bonus points for Arcanist, which carries into both, so your bonus points will be wrong for one of the two jobs (SCH is MND, SMN is INT).

You can still pick one to 'main' and keep the other one around for more casual stuff... I would sugest leveling arcanist without spending the points though, untill you know which you want.

And if you decide to go with Warrior, keep in mind that you need lvl 15 Glad to even unlock Warrior in the first place (though leveling the Gladiator to 22 later on to crossclass Provoke would not be a bad idea)