This isn't working well at current. My character with 10 in the skill and no negative modifiers on stats (or armor) is gettting bonuses of 2-6, randomly.
Furthermore, the climbing claw is not changing the DC or the modifier in any form.
To further clarify, I have 9 tumble and 10 climbing with no penalty, but am receiving a +2 on climbing checks made with the claw (which does not reduce the DC of the climbing check itself either)
Were you encumbered?
Shield?
I also noticed that the difference in DC was not significant when I played Johnny. Did not give it much pause back then.
Not encumbered, no shield.
Could dual-wielding or two-handers factor into this as well? I experienced a similarly low bonus / high DC when using rope or climbing claws myself.
Just did a climb check from a clickable transition thingy.. Gave me -19 as my base. I have 4 in climb skill, dressed in cloth, no shield and not encumbered. o.O
I believe how much weight you are actually carrying as a percentage of your maximum capacity factors in.
Could be wrong
It was broken. Should be fixed next patch.
Works great now, thanks Mort!