Witchguard ranger in PFS play

[Tamago]

So, I'm interested in the concept of running a Witchguard PC (from People of the North). However, I'm not sure about how the "Defend Charge" ability would work in PFS play.

Player's Companion: People of the North wrote:

At 4th level, a witchguard forms a bond with a spellcaster he has sworn to defend. Once per day, this bond allows the witchguard to spend a move action to grant an adjacent spellcaster a +2 dodge bonus to AC and a +2 circumstance bonus on concentration checks.

At 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter, these bonuses increase by 2. The bonuses last for a number of rounds equal to the witchguard’s Wisdom modifier (minimum 1).

At 4th level and every 3 levels thereafter, the witchguard can use this ability one additional time per day.

This ability replaces hunter’s bond.

The text states the Ranger "forms a bond with a spellcaster he has sworn to defend." What is not stated is what it takes to establish the bond, how long it lasts, and whether it can be changed (if at all).

Clearly, in a long-term game, the idea is that the Witchguard would bond with a particular character and that would be that. However, in PFS play, with a different party every time, this becomes a bit awkward. Can the player just say, during the mission briefing, "Hey, who here can cast spells? You? Great! I swear to defend you!" and be on his way?

[Paul Byers]

It looks like the bond lets them provide the bonus to "an adjacent spellcaster", why would the bonded spellcaster have to change?

[Name Violation]

its just a move action to activate. dont worry about anything else

i have a witchguard using the shield feats and net adept. super fun

[Matthew Morris]

Our witchguard usually declares at the start of the session who he's "working for" for the scenario.

We had one scenario where I was playing Ksenia and it was a no brainer who he'd defend. Ksenia enjoyed it, even if she was homesick :)