Tough job

[Vexy]

First off, I'd like to say, I love tanks, I really do. I had no idea how much work it was to be one, until I tried it. So, much appreciation to tanks out there.So, I've always played a healer class, Warden being my favourite, while my boyfriend would tank for me; I never paid any attention to where we were going, always had him lead me around, I loved "/follow" I think that was the command I used most in the time that I played a healer. We've also duo'd many other pairs, our most recent is a Swashbuckler and Dirge, and in that duo, I do tank, but for fairly easier things. Never for a dungeon. So we decided to switch it up, I wanted to try tank. Because being a small wood elf girl in full massive plate armor, seems cute and way too badass.Here I am now. A level 21 wood elf berserker. In front of Stormhold. I know that really doesn't seem that terrifying, especially when I do have a higher toon, seems like a breeze. But when I've got a group depending on me to lead them around this dark, small dungeon...I'm a little scared. I'd like to think that I'm a decent tank, I can manage to keep aggro, I did somewhat upgrade my taunts; I'm still in the TD gear, but that's good for now. The thing that really gets me, is HOW do you know where to go. Yes, I know there is a map. This is when I think "God, I should have paid attention the other 10 times I ran this dungeon as my Warden!". Do I just guess? I can't, because than I'll have people in the group getting frustrated at myself for not having a [Removed for Content] clue where I'm going, and they want to make it the end to get the names. I've come to the conclussion that I should just use my Racial Ability to stealth allll the way down the dungeon, and get to know it inside and out. But I'm sure someone would see through my stealth, I'd die, and have to start over again.The real point of this post is that Tanks do a [Removed for Content] good job, either knowing, or complete BS-ing there way through dungeons, and I really have to say I appreciate that. Now that I'm in that position of the tank, it's hard because I know exactly what the rest of the group thinks when I'm going around in circles "What the fu...Where are we?!" And the reason I posted this in the Berserker forum is because <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I'm a berserker. But I also really find that they have a difficult job holding aggro compared to some other tanks; I've TRIED a few other tanks (Didn't make it far...) and I find myself really working to keep aggro, Yes I can do it, it just actually...Takes skill, well...In my opinion.Also, before I end this, does anyone...Infact know of any better ways to get used to a dungeon before leading judgemental, scary groups of people in there?Thanks so much for reading-A tank in training

[LygerT]

most people aren't too upset if you lead them around in circles while you learn the dungeon just so long as you make it worth their while and continue to progress your way around.

[Zhonata]

<p>Eq2 Maps</p><p>Download it and never leave home with out it.</p>

[jaguarjp]

So why not just go into Stormhold with the higher level toon, and learn it in conjunction with the new map? Seems like it would be less dangerous.

[LygerT]

to be a good tank you need to learn how to navagate an unknown dungeon though, walking through grey mobs just so you become familiar with a zone just perpetuates the problem to a later time.

[Brook]

<p>You will find that alot of the better tanks know, and many of the not so great are the Bs'rs.</p><p>If your doing a pug then let them know you have never tanked the zone before, many now are on alts and don't mind steering you through. it also has teh advantage of letting them know your a little green and to watch the damage output at the start, and help with crowd control if needed. Some people are just plain [Removed for Content] though so don't mind them.  </p><p>Above all else take advice when offered. Beleive it or not we were all new to our rolls in a group at one time and you can pick up some very good advice from people who have been there.</p><p>It was a wizard that watched me in Blackburough pulling a whole room on top of us and wasnt even in our group, he sent me a tell offering advice and teaching me about body pulling, at first I was a bit put off wondering why this guy wasnt minding his own bussiness, but it turns out he had a max level guard in a raiding guild and he really knew his stuff. You know, that little wizzy made my life as a group tank so much easier.</p><p>Tanking is fun but can be stressful. When things go right it is one of the most rewarding feelings I have had in the game.</p><p>When things go wrong even when it wasnt your fault, you will most likely be taking the blame. There are many more good times than bad though, good luck.</p>

[LygerT]

<p>for some the good times outweigh the bad, at first though it may seem like the bad outweigh the good as you learn. </p><p>problem is people are picky now, they are quick to judge tanks and put you down if you aren't doing the job as equal or better as the best tanks they have had in the past. i try to get people to go easy on tanks because alot of the time its not an easy job and more often than not someone elses screw up reflects on you poorly. </p>

[Vexy]

Thanks so much for the replies. I really appreciate the advice. So far, I've tanked for two groups, one turned out great, people were extremely nice, told me the names that were up, found them on eq2maps, and followed that wonderful  orange stream of light. As for getting to know the dungeon, I suppose I'll just have to get used to finding my own way around, I mean, how did people do it without EQ2 maps for the first time right? Just ran around hopefully finding the right areas. I'm really excited to get higher as a tank. I love to explore, and seeing the dungeons and actually paying attention to where I'm going will be an adventure. I also thought taking a higher level toon into a dungeon was a great idea. I tried it, ran around to each area; then a few hours later, ran some of it with my berserker, very carefully mind you. Wasn't too easy. Plus it means I'll have to keep my higher toon always quite a bit higher if I'm to do that with every dungeon, do a test run. So I just figure I'll wing it. If people get mad at me, oh well. I'm trying to lead around, and I'll definitely take any advice anyone can give me in the group, as long as you're not a complete [Removed for Content], any help is appreciated <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Thanks again for the replies!

[Xita]

<p>the other trick really more than learning the map of the dungeon, and you really dont hit this until you hit RE in the low 40s is learning all the pulls and pathing of mobs. Take some time, experiment, learn what pulling techniques works best where (dont forget sometimes its just better to pet pull). If you have a solid tank you run with regularly watch what they do.</p><p>Tanking is a lot of fun, but yes, I have to agree it is the hardest job in the group/raid.</p><p>Oh yeah... no better race/sex combo for a zerker than a wood elf girl. (smallest size setting)</p>

[Oceaarea]

<cite>Zhonata wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Eq2 Maps</p><p>Download it and never leave home with out it.</p></blockquote>Would add VENTRILLO (or other comparable program) ...Huge asset .....cannot over-emphasize the power of communication. odds are you'll have someone who likely has experience at doing what you are attempting to do ...and they can give advice in realtime w/o have to stop and type every bit instruction/advice ......I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of learning to tank, I used to think all  a tank was was someone to take the beatings while the everyone else did the rest, so many nuances....makes it fun <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><cite> Xita wrot</cite><blockquote><p>Oh yeah... no better race/sex combo for a zerker than a wood elf girl. (smallest size setting)</p></blockquote>  ummm....I dont know, few things to be feared more than a<span style="font-size: small;"> halfling</span> gone berserk !  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Endorplasmic]

<cite>Shaurd@Venekor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Zhonata wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Eq2 Maps</p><p>Download it and never leave home with out it.</p></blockquote>Would add VENTRILLO (or other comparable program) ...Huge asset .....cannot over-emphasize the power of communication. odds are you'll have someone who likely has experience at doing what you are attempting to do ...and they can give advice in realtime w/o have to stop and type every bit instruction/advice ...</blockquote>Eq2 Maps: <a href="http://maps.eq2interface.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://maps.eq2interface.com</a>Also won't need Ventrillo once GU47 rolls out <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> That in-game voice thing will be a pickup group/raids dream.