The chance of dispelling a spell is higher than the chance of magic resistance triggering. Although, of course, a dwarf has one of the best magic resistances in the game.
And I periodically use the updated rune. Especially resurrection needs to be updated frequently for key creatures. And some other useful runes, like berserk or thunderclap.
I never leveled up Retribution. It requires too many levels, and you have to give up other useful skills. I also think it's less valuable for dwarves. Tactics, archery, and battle frenzy are more to my liking.
Yes. Empathy with a morale of 5 is essentially a replacement for spellcasting. But if you're creating a dwarf mage, it's better to take Erling. His spellcasting often grows more than his other skills, and he already has spellcasting, and he's also a specialist in very powerful monsters - priests.
But I still prefer dwarf warriors)
Ingvar and Karl. Especially when they are both available in the tavern at the same time)))