Quick list of initial techs dwarves need to catch up to other races. This post will be updated as needed
Dwarven weapon smithing (1-2)
Cost 4/6 at dwarf craftsman
+1 power to all melee cavalry, infantry, and all archers (no range increase though.)
Dwarves construct impressive weapons through the use of unique metal alloys.
Rune of power
Cost 5 at rune Mason
+1 power to all melee cavalry, infantry, and all archers
Through the use of magical runes, dwarves can further enhance the power of their weapons.
By separating the techs into 2 at the craftsman and one at rune mason, a dwarf player can be allowed to speed research if they so choose. It's also a different approach from the elven craftsman upgrades.
Lighter missiles
Cost 5 at craftsman
Requires dwarven weapon smithing 2
+2 range to all archers
A mythril alloy is used for arrows and bolts, enabling them to fly further while still penetrating armor as effectively.
Dwarves aren't going to be quite so good at archery, so their range upgrade comes late, and only +2
Dwarven armor smithing (1-2)
Cost 4/6 at craftsman
+1/1 armor to all non machine, non magical units. (In other words, no golems, ships, zeppelins, etc. But upgrades your cavalry, infantry, archers, clerics, and whatever else.)
Dwarven armor is the finest in the land, being light enough for an elf to bear easily, yet hard enough to deflect the blows of an orc.
Glyph of protection
Cost 5 at rune mason
+1/1 armor to EVERYTHING!
A powerful rune is applied to protect it's bearer from harm. It can be placed on anything from a chain or brick to armor plates.
Yes, blanket armor upgrade. This is the first upgrade dwarves should seek, followed by the slightly less widespread blacksmith version
Improved gunpowder mixture (1-3)
Cost 4/6/8 at craftsman
+2 damage per level to all gunpowder units
Some dwarves like to see things blow up. These can usually be found imbibing a flaming brew that is nearly as explosive as the gunpowder formula they constantly seek to improve.
Rifling
Requires improved gunpowder 2
Cost 5 at craftsman
Removes 15% accuracy penalty to all applicable gunpowder units
Spiral grooves in the barrel of a gun cause the bullet to spin, providing a much more stable flight and resulting in a significant improvement in accuracy.
Reach
Copy from humans, but in dwarf barracks.
Militant priesthood
Cost 6 at rune mason
Upgrades dwarf priests to clerics, will also unlock future units like monk
Dwarven religion is renowned for emphasis on destruction of anything unholy. It's membership and clergy alike are trained in combat techniques while they learn the path to enlightenment