Witchguards are the sworn defenders of the witches of the wilds, protectors of hags and maidens alike. Although witches are often immensely powerful in their craft, even they cannot defend against every attack. Each witchguard forms a mystical bond with a single witch, severable only in death, and in return gains a measure of its magical power.

Despite the name, a witchguard can bond with and protect many kinds of spellcaster, not only witches. Such guardians are sometimes known as "warders."

Witchguard's Bond

Starting at 3rd level, you learn an additional spell when you reach certain levels in this class, as shown in the Witchery Spells table. This spell counts as a ranger spell for you, but doesn't count against the number of ranger spells you know.

Witchery Spells

Ranger Level	Spell
3rd	sanctuary
5th	warding bond
9th	dispel magic
13th	death ward
17th	telepathic bond

Warder Training

At 3rd level, you are trained to protect and fight alongside your ward, with the following benefits:

• You gain proficiency with heavy armor.
• When a creature within 5 feet of you attacks your ward, it makes the attack roll with disadvantage.
• If you are within 15 feet of your ward when it uses its action to cast a spell of 1st level or higher, you can use your reaction to make a melee attack. This range increases to 30 feet at level 11 and 60 feet at level 15.

Patron's Gift

At 7th level, the bond grants you a measure of your ward's magical power. You learn two cantrips of your choice from
the wizard spell list, which count as ranger spells for you.

In addition, choose one spell from your ward's class spell list and add it to your spells known. If your ward has more than one spellcasting class, choose from one list of your ward's highest class level. This spell must be of a level you can cast and counts as a ranger spell for you, but doesn't count against the number of ranger spells you know.

If your ward is alive, you can exchange this spell for another spell from your ward's class spell list at the end of a long rest. The new spell must also be of a level you can cast.

Patron's Gift Spell

At 7th level, the bond grants you a measure of your ward's magical power. You learn two cantrips of your choice from
the wizard spell list, which count as ranger spells for you.

In addition, choose one spell from your ward's class spell list and add it to your spells known. If your ward has more than one spellcasting class, choose from one list of your ward's highest class level. This spell must be of a level you can cast and counts as a ranger spell for you, but doesn't count against the number of ranger spells you know.

If your ward is alive, you can exchange this spell for another spell from your ward's class spell list at the end of a long rest. The new spell must also be of a level you can cast.

Spellstrike

Beginning at 11th level, when you use your action to attack, you can cast a cantrip in place of one of your weapon attacks.

Spellshield Bond

At 15th level, the spiritual bond you share protects the pair of you against hostile spellcraft. When you make a Charisma, Intelligence, or Wisdom saving throw, you can choose to use your ward's saving throw bonus instead of your own. In addition, when your ward makes a Charisma, Intelligence, or Wisdom saving throw, it can choose to use your bonus instead of its own.

You must be within 60 feet of your ward to gain or grant this benefit.