[quote=@Inkdrop]
[@Willy Vereb]I don't think it would be as one-sided as you believe. Early firearms were incredibly inaccurate, and against troops solely trained to fight melee, it could be pretty disastrous if the dwarves got in close. In addition, as you said, early naval cannons did not do well against heavy armor. 
[/quote]Well, volley fire overtly dominated in the past so the inaccuracy of early guns is actually kind of a myth. Fact is a musket can reliably hit its target from 50-100 meters and beyond that only the most skilled archers and crossbowmen could achieve a hit. Make it 18th century smoothbores and the result is even better due to the consistent quality of the guns and black powder (as well as better training). You can also have "snipers" who use more higher standard guns with tigher fitting bullets which can reliably shoot at people from considerably longer distance.

Anyways, as of my dwarves (suppose you picked them here) I didn't argue they would be better or worse. I said that their fantasy/clockpunk tech can allow them to catch up with you. I can tell it in more detail during the IC/OOC. Anyways, it's long time for the test drive. Hope you don't mind:
http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/93165-when-nations-collide-1-inkdrop-vs-willy-vereb/ooc