Question about cloud saving/multiple characters/computers

It is always good to back up before letting a remote system make changes to your computer. But the way it is supposed to work is that the game checks the cloud storage when you go online, it checks what is newer, your local data or the cloud, then either overwrites the cloud with the newer data, or overwrites your local data with the newer cloud data. So in your case, if the cloud imported properly, when you go online Origin should create the Dwarf saves on your local computer.

However, I have seen so many issues with Steam cloud, and I also don't use multiple computers, so I don't trust any cloud system unless I have to. I would rather copy the data on a flash drive if I am moving back and forth between computers and keep the overwriting in my control.

But type "cloud saves" in the search box at the top of the forums and you will many people have had problems relying on cloud saves. The system may work perfectly, but lost connections or bad Internet connectivity can cause problems outside of the control or you or Origin, so use at your own risk.

I utilised the cloud saves over Christmas/New Year because I was back and forth between my home and my parents' place. I did back up my save folder on a USB drive as a back up but I found the cloud worked quite well.

I would definitely back up the save folders on both computers before you do anything, just as a safety valve. But basically when you start up the game on your computer #1, what origin will do (assuming nothing screws up) is bring your dwarf playthrough down onto that computer. It will not erase your elf playthrough or otherwise touch it unless you have more recent save files for your elf playthrough on the cloud from your computer #2 at your second home.