So here is the deal, i'm a L2 veteran player that basically played from beta to C2 on retail, then a LOT of C4-C5-Interlude on private servers. I stopped playing a couple years ago now and am finally back on the field!
I'm thinking about leveling a tank for several reasons: I love tanking, there seems to be a huge demand for tanks at the moment. I have played pretty much all the others L2 classes in my L2 "career".
Here is the thing though, as i'm coming back to L2 i'm now a huge newbie. I basically know **** past C5/interlude and im going to have to relearn everything. Which isn't such a problem when you're playing a DD but could be tricky as a tank or healer. Its my understanding there are now many instances, and stuff to tank in general.
So quite simply: How hard/long would it take to learn everything I have to learn to be a good tank? I just hate being a newbie and I don't wanna feel stressed because of doing a poor job, or being unsure of myself in different parties. Is there some kind of guide or anything I could use too? or just learn when situations arrises and be a newbie for weeks? :p
Edit- Also, its my understanding humans make great tanks. Correct?
Make whatever kind of tank you want. My main is a healer, and it doesn't matter what race the tank is, if they are a stupid tank who doesn't adjust & learn, their race can't help. If they are a tank who pays attention & even if starting out is willing to learn, then they'll be great & makes my life easier. I also have a dwarf tank and she kicks butt :P
As far as pre-85, they've made leveling a tank a lot easier with a skill transformation called vanguard. Using this either with duals or a two-handed sword (depending on what type of tank you choose) you basically turn into more of a DD. So great for grinding/solo play.
There are kama instances that can be done daily, but generally with people having mentee buffs....the healer can tank it. (Ok..maybe not the healer, but at least anyone in light armor). So honestly, tanking isn't such a big deal pre-85. Just level the toon as best you can. Do the daily quests from the adventure helper.
Once you awaken at 85, tanking is still fairly standard. You've got your main aggression skill, an aoe aggression skill, and another skill to help pull mobs to you. Like always, just pretty much spam aggression is main job. :) You have some active skills that are debuffs and can overhit. Also, there are a few group toggle skills for different situations, but that's easy to read over & figure out which ones work best where.
Tanks are in high demand once awakened and I think you'll figure it out really quickly. :)
I'm sure others can give you more info. than myself as I'm new to the awakened tanking world as well.
Tanking feels different then it did pre-awakening.
By the time your level 86(only takes a week if your slow) you will be a pro. SoA is the hardest at first since its very easy to wipe if you don't have elemental gear at 85.
if you have stone of destiny go with a high con race else it doesn't really matter as the only real good diff atm is with dark avengers with their reflect damage skills pre awakeing which they keep aka do not learn the awaken version but in Glory Days update they will lose that advantage so meh..