I think the one saving grace I’ll give this trope is that most RPGs don’t factor the RPG mechanics into the world. Like the power the player has is often there for the fun, not the story. So in their eyes it makes sense that someone could choke you out from behind or non-lethal you like you can do to enemies.

That being said, this trope extends to a LOT of other things. Like you can hack through a safe lock with ease, but a random apartment code lock or elevator lock is the line that stops you.

Or you have piles of meds that can basically revive you from being burnt to ash, yet someone gets stabbed once and they’re dead no matter what.

“I can’t do it, everyone recognises me. But you’re a new face”

Me, who has done every sidequest and is basically a hero to the town at this point: “Uh…”

I almost always get one playsessoon away from finishing games and then mean to get back to them, but often don’t. Almost always when it’s a game I’m really enjoying.

Mass Effect, but it’s set on the Citadel, and you’re a member of C-Sec investigating various crimes and gang movements and assassins and so on.

So like, LA Noire in ME.