Return of Reckoning

So I just started playing recently, and i'm not much of an mmo player, so I honestly don't know what i'm supposed to be doing. I know that black guard is one of the trickier tanks to play so i'm looking for advice. What do I want out to be building towards with the Mastery Abilities and what gear do I want? Also what are my goals in combat besides trying to tank damage?

Honestly the best way to figure this out is to go play in the lakes in tier 1. Don't buy into "bg is more complicated" etc, you learn your class bit by bit - it's a really cool class with some awesome abilities and potential.

For masteries do what you want at first, read abilities/tactics and pick the tree you like. Respeccing is free and instant at inevitable city. Worry about optimal much later on.