RTF is a global modification that replaces all towns in the game.

I think that firearms, like rifles, would have a longer range than crossbows for the dwarves (if firing bullets)... 🤔
Perhaps, the poor qualities (or at least, not much better than a crossbow) can be attributed to the underdeveloped technology of gunpowder production, which... which... doesn't provide much power?...

I'm just thinking that firearms didn't develop in Ashan in the same way as on Earth because some significant factors are hindering it (what factors?), otherwise, it's unclear why they aren't used. These significant factors probably prevent firearms from replacing crossbows, so the focus is only on convenience and the lack of need for training – just like with the gremlins! The same applies to dwarven hunters...

I hope I didn't write too incoherently.

The main factor hindering the development of firearms is, of course, magic – a magical bow has a longer range (and, most importantly, it's easier to make – mages and priests are everywhere), and the overpowered Imperial crossbows that pierce entire rows of enemies also make life difficult for firearms (by the way, Emperor Ronan seems to have been stocking up on crossbows from the dwarves, so it's their main weapon, or at least the Northern Wind clan uses them).

It turns out that a crossbow with a bow made of cheat-fantasy-magic-steel is a very powerful and long-range weapon.

That is, the market for ranged weapons is saturated, and it's only possible to develop firearms as a close-combat weapon.

Again, we need to look at how the only firearm in all of Ashan works: the gremlin's blunderbuss shoots like a regular bow, with no buffs for close-range shots, but again, judging by the sound, the shot isn't gunpowder-based at all; it's something like lyrium explosives from Dragon Age, only based on dragon blood powder, or sand infused with magical power.

Now, about the dwarven fighting style – it's not designed for battles in open fields. Dwarves fight in caves, where it's difficult to aim, and the enemy might be around the next corner. That is, the weapon must be instantly ready for close-range shooting and close combat... javelin throwers? Nival has outdone themselves again! Now, even an archer looks worse than a damn shovel thrower.

In short, a shotgun-club is ideal for fighting in narrow tunnels with turns.

In open spaces, infantry, mages, and monsters will fight, and ranged weapons will only be important for defense, but again, the question arises: why make a long-range rifle if you can make a long-range cannon on a tower, surround it with an anti-magic shield, and take down enemies in droves? If you really need to arm every dwarf with a rifle, it's better to give them a hand cannon; thankfully, dwarves are strong and can handle the recoil.

But with long-range firearms, there's a problem – they need to have a long and narrow barrel, which is inconvenient for dungeons. It's much better to take a crossbow made of cheat-fantasy-magic-steel and take down enemies at any distance