Coming back after a long absenseFollow

Finally re-subbed and decided to just re-roll (since my old character was only a 18 CON from launch). Decided I want to play as a tank, so I figured GLD would the usual choice shield I like the sword and shield play style. However, after poking around on here, the official forums, and FFXIVcore it looks like MRD also makes a solid tank for AoE. Either way it seems that I will need to level both, along with a little bit of PUG and a couple levels of CON as well. Am I on the right track for tanking? Solo play will also be important since right now the pop's are low and it's hard to find people to group with at lower levels.

I figured black/armorsmithing would be my crafts of choice.

Any other recommendations to get me started would be greatly appreciated.

edit: Another thought. Would it be better to start as GLD or MRD?

Edited, Jan 17th 2012 9:42am by Philana

Thanks!