Ah, so whips are not climbing gear. My brain kept going “Indiana Jones” and “Tomb Raider” where they use a whip to cross gaps or climb up floors. That might be where I messed up.
I did not mention whips, but whips ARE “rope-like climbing gear”. You were correct with the indiana jones comparison.
Just make sure you’re checking which monsters they’re fighting, which might negate potions.
