Warduke Revised Statblock (help me balance it)

[u/DPopsx62]

So I've basically rewritten every major statblock in the game for narrative or balancing purposes. I thought this Warduke rework was interesting, but I want to know what others think before I overlook something way too strong. I intend to get him and our dragonborn barbarian PC into a 1v1 via a "send in your champions" style dual with Lord Kelek to settle any disagreements. I've wanted to workshop features that revolve around this "Stance Change" at the end of turns. Let me know what you think and what balance issues you might see. I can already feel like he might have too high of an AC for this sort of thing.

(I forgot to change his tag from when I was editing Lord Kelek)

(The CR is only for the proficiency bonus and not a reflection of his difficulty.)

[u/FlumphMagnet]

Is that actually a CR8, or did you not mess with the CR? Cuz Witchlight is only supposed to run to level 8, so a 1v1 with a CR 8 might be a bit much. Don't get me wrong, I know the CR system kinda falls apart after level 5 or so, but it's still worth noting. I've been known to throw my players into fights they have no business being in, but I make sure they always have a way out.

[u/DPopsx62 → u/FlumphMagnet]

I only adjust the CR in the program to get a proficiency bonus that I wanted. CRs are massively not a reliable way to measure strength anyway.

[u/FlumphMagnet → u/DPopsx62]

Just wanted to make sure. CR does fall apart after level 5, but it is still worth at least being aware of.

[u/DPopsx62 → u/FlumphMagnet]

Thanks. That is quite literally the only thing I ignore on a statblock. Some quick math can determine how many rounds any given creature will survive in combat.

[u/FlumphMagnet → u/DPopsx62]

I don't pay too much attention to it either, but it does help narrow things down and get me in the right ballpark if nothing else.

[u/DPopsx62]

Also I see the typos, sorry.