The Black-Tide Contraband

High in the largest mangrove tree, above roots drowned by the rising tide, the party finds a second cache hidden behind false knots and misleading trail marks. The smugglers designed the climb to waste time, send intruders toward weak branches, and force them onto a narrow route overlooking deepening water. The cache rests near a Gloomwing Skimmer's nest, where stolen expedition gear has been woven into the creature's shelter. The party can bargain with or distract the monster using food, shiny objects, or a careful retreat from its nesting ground. They can attempt the climb during low tide, use magic to reach the canopy or bypass the dangerous route, or abandon the cache before the water rises too far. Inside are rare trade goods, the Moon-Salt Reliquary, coded records, and the Crowned-Wave Tide Token, whose connection to old sea routes is useful but brings troubling dreams. The records reveal that a former patron or influential island trader financed the smuggling operation and used the party's previous expeditions as cover. Exposing the evidence could earn a powerful enemy, while selling or concealing it may preserve a valuable alliance at the cost of future complications.