Kerwick is strong enough that he wouldn't need a rope if he took his time and went carefully, but the rope would indeed help in climbing the slope, especially if he needs to get up in a hurry. Tying it to a nearby tree, he easilly glides down the slope to check out the glint of metal. (OOC: With the rope, it's only DC 2, Kerwick's modifier is +0, so he can reliably make even the DC 10 climb by taking 10.)
The glint of metal was comiing from a body in a chain mail shirt, mostly covered with debry. It's a young human man, only a day or two dead. The death wound is from an arrow, the broken off shaft still jutting from his chest. From his dress, you would guess him to be a caravan guard. A chill runs through you at the thought that your own recent employment could have ended in this way, had you been less fortunate.