Starting a Pally: tanking Q's.

[Oathbound]

Hello fellow pallys.

I just started this game a couple weeks ago, and was thinking of rolling a paladin to eventually tank stuff. I got done reading Junt's guide, and some of the posts on these forums. I still however have some questions. Mostly because I haven't seen any REAL need for tanking in this game yet - But I'd like to have that option open to me in end game.

Right now I'm looking at a 32pt build human. I want to go THF for dps, and thinking of putting most all of my skill points into intim. These are my base stats I am looking at:

Strength           16                
Dexterity          10                
Constitution       16                
Intelligence        8                
Wisdom              8                
Charisma           16

So here are my questions:

1.) Are there any stats/feats that are absolutely needed for me to be a tank (besides tower shields and combat expertise)? Will I need to look at grabbing primarily avoidance/mitigation feats for end game tanking? Or can I go primarily dps talents with the idea that this is where most of my threat generation will come from?

2.) Is my 10 Dex going to be a problem for tanking? Or should I try to find a way to get that stat to 12 for dodge?

3.) It was mentioned a couple times in Junt's article that Paladins looking to tank end game would need to spend months on the needed gear for raid tanking just to get the needed AC. I am used to farming for gear, but I am wondering what AC I should be shooting for once I do hit end game?

4.) I don't think I quite understand Pally prestige classes. What is the importance of going Knight of the Chalice vs. Defender later in the game? Is it a huge deal if I want to tank vs. dps?

5.) Is there a good resource on DDO tanking and mechanics? So far I've been pouring over the forums and DDO wiki - and I *think* I have an idea of what to expect for later on in game...


Thanks in advance for all of your help.