Blue
Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal
This is a bias inherent in the system. Without making judgements on it, D&D has always kept some of it's wargame roots that combat is considered not just a valid way to overcome opposition, but the primary way. Before disagreeing, think of how much of the PHB is devoted to combat-focused aspects, from HPs to AC to over 80% of class features, etc. Take out all of the combat support material from the Monster Manual and how much mechanics do you have left?
Combat is the longest single mechanical aspect of the game - not saying it takes up the most time of a session, but when it does happen it takes more time on mechanics then any other part of the game. It very much seems that every class is designed to work in combat so players aren't left out and bored during this lengthy process, as well as that it is a (or even "the") primary way of overcoming challenge.
There are other systems that don't have this conceit. Look at FATE - at any point you can declare your character is out - and you get to narrate what that looks like. And if you are taken all the way out before then, all that means is that the GM gets to narrate what that looks like - you could be captured, etc. Death need not be on the table.
Combat is the longest single mechanical aspect of the game - not saying it takes up the most time of a session, but when it does happen it takes more time on mechanics then any other part of the game. It very much seems that every class is designed to work in combat so players aren't left out and bored during this lengthy process, as well as that it is a (or even "the") primary way of overcoming challenge.
There are other systems that don't have this conceit. Look at FATE - at any point you can declare your character is out - and you get to narrate what that looks like. And if you are taken all the way out before then, all that means is that the GM gets to narrate what that looks like - you could be captured, etc. Death need not be on the table.