hey, ive recently started a character that im trying out two-handed weapon's with, problem is i seem to be getting my ass kicked more often than not, usually when facing multiple opponents. im just looking for some overall advice on using the weapons, such as strategies, how should i be distributing health/stamina, what perks are the most useful, and what followers(if any) will compliment the class. thanks in advance

I would enchant your weapon with absorb 1pt stamina,that way you can always do power attacks,and bashing...I would also get the power bash perks,along with the quick reflexes perk.

Bashing, power attacks, repeat.

Two handed is all about stamina. Put your MHS points heavily into stamina, and wear apparel that is enchanted to fortify stamina and two-handed. Have a lot of Stamina potions at the ready.

I also suggest sticking to greatswords at the beginning, as battle axes and warhammers take longer to swing. As your armor skill and two handed skills increase, though, you may want to go for the few extra damage points that those weapons offer. I have always preferred greatswords though.

This might seem obvious but in the beginning always go for the best metal you can find (Steel, Dwarven, Glass, etc). Also, use smithing to improve your weapons, as every extra damage point matters at the beginning. These tactics becomes less important (but not by much) as you invest perks.

Invest perks in two-handed, especially Barbarian (increase damage), Champion's Stance (power attacks cost less stamina), Devastating Blow (power attacks do more damage and can decapitate enemies) and Sweep (take out multiple enemies with one power attack). Also invest in the first four perks for whatever armor you choose (the perks that increase your armor rating).

The Elemental Fury dragon shout works well with heavy two-handed weapons (swing weapons faster for a short period), though doesn't work with enchanted weapons I don't think.

Elemental fury is very good with 2H. The only problem is that the weapon must be unenchanted. Another thing would be a few fortify 2H items.
You only need 20 enchant and two perks to make a set of items for a total of 72% fortify 2H.
By the time you're level 10, you should be doing 100+ damage at dagger speeds - huge DPS- and keeping your enemies from returning attacks. At that speed you don't need power attacks except for the first hit. Fury only lasts 15 sec but that's really all you'll need.

If you are looking for good followers to compliment you go with Faendal, Jenassa or Marcurio. They will stay out of your way and use ranged attacks (Faendal and Jenassa a bow and Marcurio magic). Don't forget to use the bash to stagger giving your follower a chance to take out enemies with the bow.

Good advice here. I also would suggest using heavy armor if this is your first go. My light armor 2-h Nords usually run into trouble around lvl 15, whereas my heavy armor 2-h Orcs don't have as much trouble.

A great perk to grab is Quick Reflexes, in the Block skill tree. Just requires 30 Block and one point in Shield Wall. It is an absolute lifesaver. When it triggers the time-slow (as an enemy is power attacking you), just sidestep and start hitting them.

There is a certain cadence to fighting, too, regardless of whether you're using greatswords or daggers. Often you can 'feint' by moving toward the enemy. They will often raise their weapon high (signalling a power attack), at which point you can backpedal, avoid the hit, and hit them while they're recovering. Keep baiting them in this manner and you can get in a lot of cuts while taking few yourself.

I love 2-handed weapons - nothing sweeter than cleaving up some Forsworn or impaling bandits with a greatsword!

As others have said two-handed is all about stamina and power attacks.
Bash and power attacking takes a lot of stamina put points into it heavy.

Enchanting an absorb stamina weapon works well if you are an enchanter.
Another way to get stamina is with regenerate stamina.

Combine dragons tongue,fly aminita and bee to get a fortify two-handed/resist fire/regenerate stamina potion.
Even with out perks in alchemy you will increase your damage a lot.

One of my favorite things in Two-Handed skill is sprinting power attack. You can use this move only after you unlock the Great Critical Charge perk, which is a level 50 perk. Using this requires a lot of stamina, a lot more than just standing around and doing standing power attacks, but it works really well if you have at least 200-300 stamina and Respite Perk in Restoration.

I have never gotten the Warmaster perk because I am not that confident about connecting with Backwards Power attack. But you almost never miss with sprinting power attack after you learn the move.