Tanks

No, we don't mean "thanks", we mean tanks! A tank is a character designed to take a lot of physical damage/abuse from monsters while still fighting on! Just like..uh..a.. tank? True tanks include Warriors, Paladins, Druids in Bear Form, and certain Pets. If any character is fighting with a monster with their melee attack with the monster attacking them they can be said to be "tanking".

Purpose: The purpose of a tank in a party is to absorb and deflect damage from other weaker party members, such as casters. A tank is much more capable of taking physical damage than other party members.

Tank Jobs

Taunting
Tanks typically have an ability that will taunt the monster off another player. Whenever a weaker party member, such as a Mage or Priest, is attacked they should let the tank know such by saying "someone on me." The tank should immediately find the monster attacking the party member and use their taunt ability until the monster starts attacking them instead. That way the tank continues to save the other party members by taking all the damage and the casters do their job of healing the tank or blasting the monster.

Pulling
Another usual role for the tank is to pull monsters for the group. The tank typically has a lot of hit points and can withstand more damage. Tanks should have some ability or weapon that allows them to pull with a ranged attack. [Learn more about pulling]

Leading
The tank is usually responsible for leading the group around to their destinations.

First in, last out
The tank should be the first person into battle under most circumstances. If the party is forced to run, the tank should stick around taking more damage and possibly even die in order to buy time for the other party members to escape. The other party members can then resurrect the dead tank.

Primary Tanks vs. Secondary Tanks
If there are multiple tanks in a group, a primary tank should be chosen. The secondary tanks are responsible for helping out the main tank but typically don't have to worry about taunting, pulling, or leading. They just help do additional damage.