Halp With Dorfs (Kobold Run stay out)

[Beelzebub1111]

If you only have 8 dwarves, you should have some of them be minion raisers. Remember, these are NPCs and are not bound by Leadership scores or restricted by in class granted companions.

Some examples:
A druid who raises killer fungus to protect the mines. And for food and booze.
A Rogue that rears beasts from the depths of the mountains for protection and food.
A Priest of [insert dwarfiest god in the setting] with a congregation with a militiantly suicidal congregation.

Don't be afraid to make up some minions either. For example: A wolf isn't exactly scary because, lets face it, everyone knows what a wolf is. But give it 8 legs and a climb speed and you've got a scary beast fit for running from by only adding a movement mode. Give it webbing and/or camouflage if you want to go for overkill.