If the cord of an Astral Projected Lich is severed, do they respawn?
Referencing this from the Lich entry of the Monster Manual: “Rejuvenation: If it has a phylactery, a destroyed lich gains a new body in 1d10 days, regaining all its hit points and becoming active again. The new body appears within 5 feet of the phylactery.”
Initially, I assumed if the Lich has a phylactery it would respawn regardless of means of death, but after reading this from the Astral Projection spell: “Your astral body resembles your mortal form in almost every way, replicating your game statistics and possessions. The principal difference is the addition of a silvery cord that extends from between your shoulder blades and trails behind you, fading to invisibility after 1 foot. This cord is your tether to your material body. As long as the tether remains intact, you can find your way home. If the cord is cut-something that can happen only when an effect specifically states that it does-your soul and body are separated, killing you instantly.”
Now I’m torn. I think the intent of the rejuvenation ability is immortality dependent on the status of the phylactery, but it specifically mentions the body and not the soul. In the event of a severed cord by astral projection, the issue is not a lack of body but a separation of body and soul.
What do you think? How would you rule this play out at your table?