Run this as two linked but separate open challenges: first cross the swift river, then climb the Greatpine and harvest a naturally hollow, thin upper branch. Briala is traumatized by a separate drowning at the outer border river toward Aundair and cannot cross this river; do not make her fear a puzzle to overcome. She can wait safely on the near bank, direct the party, or join them later by the upstream ford if she chooses. Accept ropes, anchors, swimming, wading the gravel bar, a raft, a spell, a pole, or another credible plan. In the current, a failed DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check moves an unroped swimmer to the downstream eddy, where the catch limb, a rope, or an ally can help; do not make the river an unavoidable lethal hazard. At the tree, describe the broad limbs as load-bearing and the thin tips as flexible. Let the party secure a rope and belay before climbing; a DC 10 Athletics check per roughly 30 feet handles an exposed ascent, but good equipment and assistance can remove checks. A character on a broad limb can inspect or draw down a hollow tip without standing on the crown. The crows may steal unattended small valuables or tug loose gear when someone is awkwardly positioned, but they avoid serious harm unless attacked. Give clear warning before a crow acts, allow a reaction or sensible countermeasure, and let a stolen item be recovered by bargaining, retrieving it, or later tracking the birds. The chosen branch is ordinary Greatpine wood; Briala drills it afterward.
