Tactics for playing as the Dwarves.

Why wouldn't a half-dragon be able to handle a whole one? Will he get level 2 magic skills or not? Or does he need education for that? I don't remember this part, but if he does get them, then knowledge and spellcasting won't be wasted.

He'll get magic skills anyway, the question is, which ones...
For example, without developing any magic skills, you can cast a speed spell on one creature in a single turn, increasing its initiative by 10%. But with an expert in light magic and the "Righteous Fury" skill, you can make all your troops 40% faster and increase their attack by +12 with a smiting strike in the same amount of time (these spells cost 0.5 turns each, so you can cast them twice). Do you see the difference? In other words, with developed light magic, you can double the attacking potential of your army... in just 1 turn!!! +40% from max. speed - they go more often - they attack more often; +60% from max. smiting strike - they also get +12 to attack.
And these are just 2 spells, there are others...
And considering that the main source of damage to the enemy army for the dwarves is their own troops, the benefit is noticeable. Or is killing a whole dragon cooler?