D&D 5E Mantle of Whispers (XGtE)

[Retreater]

I'd like to hear how some of you would handle a rules dispute. Last session a bard from the College of Whispers used the Mantle of Whispers he gained at 6th level in an attempt to ensnare the spirit of a lesser lich heading to his phylactery. After explaining that the target was undead and not a humanoid per the class ability, there is still some disagreement of what this power actually gives the PC. I say it's merely a bonus to disguise checks and some surface thoughts to help with Bluff checks. I don't think it allows you to trap the soul, prevent resurrection, etc.
Who's right here?

 

[guachi]

I'd go with your interpretation. It's like a super disguise/read thoughts ability combined into one. Heck, you don't even need to use the disguise. The read thoughts ability is useful all by itself.

 

[CydKnight]

Reading what is written on page 16 of XGtE, the intent is for the Shadow to be used for deception of another 3rd party. It even mentions that information gained about the creature whose shadow you have captured, is general and does not include secrets. It also limits the disguise gained from the shadow to one hour maximum. I don't see any references to "trapping the soul" or "preventing resurrection" and and see no reason to allow either under this feature.

 

[Hawk Diesel]

Yea, I agree with the OP. The shadow captured is not really the soul per se, but rather a semblance of the creature killed. One way to think about it is to consider Peter Pan and his shadow. It was something that could be separated from Peter, perhaps even captured, but is not in itself Peter or his soul. At best it is a small piece of their life essence, but not a significant part or even the whole thing.

 

[gyor]

I think the shadow is a type of sympathetic magic, it provides a mystical link to it's source.