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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Tony Vargas" data-source="post: 6745679" data-attributes="member: 996">I'm not 100% convinced (maybe 88%) that there even is such a thing as a 'tank' in 5e - there's certainly nothing much like the more formal 'defender' - but, there's a variety of ways of coming at a sort of spoiler function where you limit the choices and effectiveness of the enemy.  A traditional 'tank' acts as a physical barrier and an immediate, unsubtle threat that engages the attention of enemies and reduces their hit points.  It's tough enough that attacking it may not be the best use of an action (though, thanks to bounded accuracy, it's likely to have some effect), but depending on how the DM makes decisions for enemies, the immediate presence/threat may be enough to provoke that sub-optimal response.  A wizard has more and more varied ways of messing with enemies.  A Bladesinger could act a bit like a tank by substituting direct control via spells, and the threat of magical attack for the more immediate in-your-face DPR of a traditional tank.  The trick is being tough enough to make attracting that attention a viable tactic, self-buffing might get you there.  I think the bottom line is play the concept you want, and see how it works out.  If you have a good enough DM to handle running conventional classes in conventional roles while keeping things flowing and fun for everyone, he can probably handle your character idea, as well.</blockquote>