Ability Scores As Core

[Jeff Carlsen]

Why should there be?

D&D takes place in Imagination Land, not earth. There is no precedent for determining exactly how physics works in Imagination Land, nor for exactly what the human (mortal) body is capable of. Who's to say that human potential isn't far greater in Imagination Land then it is on plain old earth

Because suspension of disbelief requires some elements be grounded in the familiar. The familiar can be exaggerated, but it can't be altogether broken.

Which isn't to say that there isn't a place for humans that stretch beyond human potential through some otherworldly power. But I think that's the definition of epic level play. Levels 1-20 are for mortals, going from journeyman to grandmaster in a particular field. Above that is the path to godhood, or merging with a demon, or drinking from the well of immortality, or whatever.

Now, there is a place for a type of fighter that uses magic to augment his abilities, but that's not the traditional fighter, who does it all through physical training.