When I first saw him I thought he is a bad hero than I tried him out and quickly realised he is not that bad. In this game early game is very important to take over the control on the board and Dwalin helps in that quiet nicely. You can guard with him in the first 2-3 rounds and it will be beneficial to you also. I like running Lock Shields with Dwalin so you can often guard with him twice first turn and activate his ability so early. After his ability is activated he becomes a better Gimli in solo mode. He has 3 which is not conditional and 2 and also the dwarf trait. Downside that you have to protect him after his ability is active because that 5 is quiet low although I haven't met an enemy who had base 5 . But it's easy to protect him if you are in leadership with Guard of the Citadel and Erkenbrand and I think also Gondorian Shield is a great way to keep him alive. As with heroes go you don't want to run him with Arwen there is a little bit anti-synergy between them. If no other character is wounded than Arwen has to heal Dwalin which can deactivate his ability. I think he is a great addition to a double leadership dwarf deck. My rating: 5/3