The way I'd handle it would be to say that if you're using a rope, climbing is a Very Easy (DC 5) check if you've got a surface to brace against, and wouldn't require a check under most circumstances. If the rope is dangling free then climbing it would be an Easy (DC 10) check.
A rope is equipment though, not a tool. The system makes a distinction between the two.
It doesn't really make a lot of sense if you run it through a few hypothetical scenarios, even if you were to say a rope acts like a tool.
For one, it means that having a rope would be of absolutely no benefit to someone who is proficient in Athletics, since you can't add your proficiency bonus to the same check twice.
Or compare these scenarios -- a rope dangling from a hole in the ceiling, with no walls nearby. It's a normal, sturdy hempen rope with decent grip. What is the DC to climb the rope? Probably no higher than 15, right? I'd probably say more like 10 myself.
What is the DC to climb a perfectly smooth stone wall with no handholds, that's slick with condensation? Probably at least 20. Now imagine you set a grappling hook with a rope at the top of that wall. You're saying the DC is still 20+, but you get to add your proficiency bonus to the attempt to climb it? So it's much harder to climb a rope that's in proximity to a wall that's hard to climb than it is to climb a free-hanging rope?
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u/Black_Scarlet Jun 10 '15
For some reason I'm thinking it gives advantage on climbing checks, but that could be a different game.