Advice on a dual-wielder

[TheUsualSuspect]

I chose the two-weapon style for the pre-generated ranger (Soveliss) and now that I grasp the conditions for dual-wielding (as well as having a higher level character), he's been starting to put out. Is there much merit to taking two-weapon defense? Are there any other feats I might try?

And while on the topic of the ranger. Earlier on, I took Toughness for this character, annoyed with the fact he had fewer hit points than my mage. Have I denied him anything he couldn't live without?

[Lord Plothos]

If you take TWF, TWD is a good idea. Why not get a free point of AC?
On the whole, TWF isn't a better option than just using a two-handed weapon, IMO. Damage is roughly comparable overall, but you have to enchant two weapons rather than one, and you have to burn feats that could go toward weapon focus, dodge, and the like. I like dodge, btw. Free AC is always good. A pure ranger can't get weapon specialization or anything, so there aren't a huge number of feats that'll enhance his melee beyond ITWF and GTWF. Feats like mobility, spring attack, or even skill focus in tumble can be very useful. Whirlwind can be fun, though it's better with reach weapons.

In short, there are a lot of feats out there that'll help. I don't think I've ever taken toughness with any character. Just about anybody can find something better to spend a feat on. But no feats are so important that you can't live without them. Don't worry about it too much.

Oh, since you said you took TWD (or were considering it) I presume you have a 15 dex. If your dex is significantly higher than your strength (or even just a point, really), you might consider weapon finesse and a rapier for your primary weapon.

[Sokaijin]

Well put M'Lawd, though I might add that 'Combat reflexes' is handy for the "upfront" types (i.e. fighters and rangers). Since many monsters try to run past them to get at your weaker 'inback' types (i.e. spellcasters). This feat lets you get at least a whack at most, if not all, of them.

[Lord Plothos]

Indeed. If you have an extra feat and a high dex (it's benefit is predicated on having a +# from dex), it can be huge. 20 dex and you've got 6 AoO's a round instead of 1. Very nice very often. Even better with a reach weapon. And sometimes funny if you have cleave. Guy runs by you, so you smack him, and get a free shot at the guy who was standing next to you the whole time.

[Sokaijin]

Got to love that. I'd forgotten that Cleave also applied to AoO's. Mwah-ha-ha, take that, and your little dog too.