How can I effectively kill giants in melee combat?
You say "Mace to Mace", I prefer "Mace to Face" :D
2 most important things for melee against a giant:
- Dance in and out of range before he strikes
- Use shield attacks to interrupt his power attacks
Without very high damage absorption (armour >500 etc) on a high difficulty multiplier you will hurt if he gets a good hit on you, so controlling the combat and ensuring you aren't flanked by a second giant is important.
If you still have trouble then 3) Have decent block absorption (skill, perks and possibly enchanted block) -> only a few % of damage taken.
Easy money :)
[ Mages have no problem with them with impact, And rogues can find a sneaky rock to stand on ]
I don't know about level 25, but at level 28 I received a few bounties to kill giants.
I found that if I shot a giant with a frostbite venom arrow (with sneak damage) and then charged him with my Shield of Solitude, and did a power bash every time he swung, along with a sword which had the "Absorb health" enchantment, I was able to defeat the giant , even if it hit me twice. Just make sure there are no other giants or mamoths around, and that you keep your stamina up.
This was with Heavy Armor and a rating of 350+ armor (from my smithing orcish armor and making it epic)
This was without a follower.
Melee killing giants requires a simple technique you can get with practice. When the giant charges you, charge him but pass to the side of him, the giant will take a swing and pause. Turn around and slash him. When the giant turns to face you charge him again and pass by, repeat. Should only take 2-4 times.