Hiya Rim,

OK, it is true that a Ranger is given the "Ambidexterity" and "Two Weapon Fighting" feats.

When you fight with two weapons, meaning one in either hand, allowing you to make an extra attack per round (2 attacks per round at level one), you are normally subject to some pretty harsh modifiers. (-6 to the attack made by primary hand, -10 to the attack made by off hand).

However, there are ways to reduce this. The two feats granted to you for being a Ranger (Ambdex. and 2 Weap Fight) reduce these penalties. Also if your second weapon is "light" (for you any weapon listed as small or less) then the penalties are reduced further.

So, if you wanted to go the "2-weapon" style, you could get a longsword and a shortsword. With the feats as a Ranger your penalties would only be -2/-2 for the attacks.

If you wanted to go for the 2-handed sword, Ambidex and 2-weapon fighting don't apply. The advantage here is that the Great Sword deals out more damage than a long sword does. The disadvantage is that you would not be able to use a shield at the same time as using this weapon.

A long sword alone does less damage than a great sword but allows you to use the shield which will give you better protection against attacks.

So 2-weapon style: One additional attack per round, greater chance to miss, can't use shield.

2-handed weapon style: Greater damage when you hit, can't use shield

1 Weapon/shield style: Better protection in combat, better chance to hit that 2-weapon style, less damage than 2-handed style.

The different options, for the most part work out to be about even. It is more a decision to be based on what you prefer, which fits in best with your idea of your character and how you want to play him.
A repoman's got ALL night EVERY night!