Hiiiii. The phylactery does need to not work. Range is fine as an excuse as long as it continues to not work (or is put away because it’s initially dark and then not looked at again, or whatever else) up until the reveal, instead of giving it away in advance because he’s moved back into range. Or if someone was trying to improve on it and temporarily messed it up, maybe? Whatever works, as long as no one knows he’s alive until the reveal part.

Sorry for the waffling. :c But I’ve been thinking about it and it wouldn’t really be in the spirit of things or fair to everyone else I’m not letting be exceptions to any of the other parts.