fktifzobr
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Dwarves are a tricky subject for modding. Simply because few people create full-fledged Dwarf Factions and creatures that would fit into their vanilla faction or wouldn't just be a rework of existing ones (like Mountain Guards).
The reasons are also quite simple:
Dwarves are a defensive Faction and play from a defensive position (or, yes, Energy Rune, and we run across the entire map).
Tier 3 – it's neither logical nor practical. (Is a bear weaker than a horse?) The theme of Cavalry in the game is not fully developed and is almost impossible to implement due to the combat mechanics.
Conclusion: instead of Bears, a unit or defensive combat machine would be good. One that can effectively protect the front line or successfully counter certain inconvenient enemies in the early game (*for example, any mech will be good against poison and bees).
Tier 4 – is absurd and impractical. You correctly pointed out the illogicality of their weapons. I would present them normally with two axes or a large, crushing two-handed weapon (Hammer/Pickaxe/Mace... it doesn't matter). And in terms of practicality, the same as with the bears. The ability of the Warriors simply destroys any sane competition in terms of Infantry/front line. And Tier 3 and Tier 4 are not Tanks/sappers, but rather a kind of DD/vanguard.
Conclusion: a replacement is needed; it is impossible to adequately balance them within the current concept (image).
Tier 6 – There are no complaints about the Thanes; these are just ideas for improving the Faction as a whole. Thanes are a good unit, but their building is a pain for many – "A Great Quest for Cre," usually, you'll unlock Dragons with an upgrade faster than you build regular Thanes.
Idea: By lowering the tier of the Thanes and proportionally reducing their stats, you can, firstly, make them a more accessible and useful mid-tier unit, and secondly, create an equally interesting Tier 6 unit to replace the previous one.
*Such a reshuffle in the League of Shadows, for example, helped a lot. Witches on Tier 3 are much more appropriate, and giving a formidable, large Minotaur (Tank) on Tier 6 is more practical. The Necromancer needs Tanks more in the late game (capable of simply surviving, no matter how, while he casts spells that deal a million damage; otherwise, again, Tanks, around which his early, fragile units can play).
Tier 1 – Dwarf Militiaman
Tier 2 – Archer
Tier 3 – Warrior with a two-handed weapon and in armor
Tier 4 – either a Mage or a Griffin Rider
Tier 5 – Bear Rider
Tier 6 – either a Mage or a Griffin Rider
Tier 7 – Mega Golem
There are some points I'd like to elaborate on.
In Heroes 5, there's the Mountain Defender, but he's on Tier 1 – that's wrong. Dwarves are known for their close-combat infantry, and here it's stuck on the first level. I don't support that, so we need a Dwarf on Tier 3, as good as, if not better than, human armored warriors, maybe with slightly less attack.
Regarding Tier 5 – again, a Dwarf Warrior, but now on a bear. This is already elite troops. I think there should always be a badass Dwarf – if the emphasis is on technology, he can be with a cannon; if the Dwarves are into rage, he should ride a huge beast; and if the Dwarves are blacksmiths, the coolest one will be in epic armor and with a magical weapon.
I can't say anything about Mages and Griffin Riders because I don't know if I'll be able to find armor for them. A Mage can be anyone – it can be a priest with a hammer and support magic, it can be a wise man with a staff and special rune magic, or it can be a shaman with lightning – everything suits the Dwarves.
Well, the Mega Golem is just cool