D&D 5E Climbing a tower rules 5e

[Maxperson]

Right. If we're talking about going the distance, it's really about pushing past normal limits. The DMG sets the limit here with this rule. It's odd they go for Constitution saving throw instead of Constitution check in my view, but they must have wanted it to be in line with the rules for forced marches which is also a save.

Edit: Also interesting that the DC doesn't go up over time like forced marches do.

Yeah. I think I'll have the DCs go up.

 

[SkidAce]

So distance/time IS a factor in possibly having a check, even though its just movement and there is no additional complication.

 

[iserith]

So distance/time IS a factor in possibly having a check, even though its just movement and there is no additional complication.

The argument was never that there is no check. It's whether it's a Strength (Athletics) check per the specific climbing/swimming rules or a Constitution check for pushing past one's normal limits. Where swimming is concerned, they seem to treat it on par with forced marching, so it's a Constitution save with no increasing DC.

Edited to clarify: In the specific example in the OP, some of us are saying it's not a Strength (Athletics) check to climb because there is no difficult situation in play along the lines of what the specific climbing rules suggest. We do acknowledge, however, that a climb past a character's normal limits could involve a Constitution check.

 

[SkidAce]

The argument was never that there is no check. It's whether it's a Strength (Athletics) check per the specific climbing/swimming rules or a Constitution check for pushing past one's normal limits. Where swimming is concerned, they seem to treat it on par with forced marching, so it's a Constitution save with no increasing DC.

Not entirely true.

There were several statements at the beginning of the convo, that said (paraphrased), "if there are no complications, there is no check, distance is not a factor."

You suggested a CON check may be more appropriate, which I tend to agree with. However, another DM could decide a stronger person could climb farther than a weaker one, and choose to use strength.

I have enjoyed the discussions and seeing both sides has given more depth to the situation at hand, I feel the flexibility is there and appreciate everyone's comments and things they pointed out to me. And @iserith for being patient.

Most likely I will continue to read this thread, but will probably bow out in deference to those better able to articulate.

 

[SkidAce]

P.S. reading the descriptions of magical items and climbing is also very interesting. Rope of Climbing (knotted) gives advantage to climb checks.

I mean with a rope, you may not need a check, but if there is other factors that could be handy.

 

[Charlaquin]

Right. If we're talking about going the distance, it's really about pushing past normal limits. The DMG sets the limit here with this rule. It's odd they go for Constitution saving throw instead of Constitution check in my view, but they must have wanted it to be in line with the rules for forced marches which is also a save.

Edit: Also interesting that the DC doesn't go up over time like forced marches do.

I suspect it’s a save because there are no skills linked to Constitution by default, and they wanted PCs to have the opportunity to add their proficiency bonus to the roll even if the DM isn’t using the Skills with Different Abilities variant rule.

 

[Charlaquin]

Yeah. I think I'll have the DCs go up.

I’d probably do the same.

 

[iserith]

P.S. reading the descriptions of magical items and climbing is also very interesting. Rope of Climbing (knotted) gives advantage to climb checks.

I mean with a rope, you may not need a check, but if there is other factors that could be handy.

Right, like gargoyles trying to knock them off.

 

[iserith]

Not entirely true.

There were several statements at the beginning of the convo, that said (paraphrased), "if there are no complications, there is no check, distance is not a factor."

Distance is not a factor for a Strength (Athletics) check is what we were saying, yes.

 

[Hriston]

So distance/time IS a factor in possibly having a check, even though its just movement and there is no additional complication.

It’s a save, not a check, the difference being that the action (swimming) succeeds, no check. Having to make a save is a consequence of the successful action, and failing the save doesn’t prevent continued successful action unless too many levels of exhaustion accrue.