Which faction poses the greatest challenge for the Dwarves?

The Dwarves lack initiative. When I play as Naadir (my favorite hero), the Dwarves are easily defeated by Necromancers with black magic. I've never considered Runes to be useful for strength. The Energy Rune is okay, and the Dragon Rune is decent, but how can the Dwarves possibly cope with the Necromancers' vastly superior forces? Their machines look ridiculous here. Cast Confusion, and that's it – the Dwarves become mincemeat. The only threat comes from Dragons with Luck, but Luck can be quickly reduced. With Naadir, corpses cannot be resurrected, pikemen and mages are blocked, undead with Vampirism eat the Jarls, spirits equal dragons, and vampires easily deal with the rest. And you still call the Dwarves a strong race?