Duergars are a byproduct to dwarves but also another point which I'll mention with the orogs. Though, specifically for the dwarf point, duergars are literally just dwarves when you break them down, so providing their counterparts access to the axe but not them would presumably make people question lore consistency. A good analogy is that duergars at not too dissimilar to shield or gold dwarves unlike Shadovar shades to humans.Tyrantos wrote: Sat May 22, 2021 10:06 pm There is also Duergear racial items, as well as Orog items. And I would argue that both those races are stronger than Hobgoblin.
With orogs, they are strong but specifically have to either choose blackguard and/or bard to use their adjusted stats efficiently. Now with the point shared with duergars, both are rarely chosen to be played. We've certainly seen over the years that we do get a jump in players for each race, but they dwindle quickly. This point is what could be argued for hobgoblins, though, as a way to encourage more players, especially as they're meant to be the arguably 2nd most popular UD choice behind drows.
Maybe just a handaxe that mirrors the masterly damask stats + an extra damage point or two but add on Weapon Finesse feat (if possible) and the Runic property. It would allow hobgoblins to save a feat.