SK Race question + item help (have never played a tank)

[Alarria]

Hi, just looking for some suggestions- I don't really want to deal with an exp. penalty for playing one of the large races or Iksar, although I know regen/stats/FSI are all huge QoL. That leaves me with a DE, Erudite or Human. Is there really any benefit to vs the other?

As far as gear, I have a FBSS, 2x Plat. Fire wedding rings and a Skull-shaped Barbute and that's all for gear. I was thinking of picking up some Crusty for armor slots, and some orc fang earrings for ears. Have a budget of only ~6-8k. Mainly looking for weapon help. Want the best bang for the buck! Shield I figure the Atramentous, but I've always only played casters so for weps I got nothing!!

Thanks in advance!

Edit- Will be playing with a cleric most of the time, trying to form PUGS or possibly killing Paineel guards.