Mounted mechanics and cover

[Colette Brunel]

A few people have already twigged on to a rather silly build available to mechanics. Namely, they can attach the Riding Saddle mod to a drone, and then use the drone as a mount.

The Survival skill rules cover mounted combat:

"Cover
"As a swift action, you can drop down and hang alongside your mount, using it as cover. You can't attack or cast spells while using your mount as cover. If you fail the check [DC 15, but the Bounty Hunter theme grants Survival as a class skill, ysoki have +2 Survival, and a rider's kit grants another +4], you don't gain the benefit of cover, and you can't attack or cast until you use a move action to pull yourself back up. Pulling yourself back up doesn't require a check."

The idea is to use a swift action at the end of each of your turns to gain cover, and then a move action at the start of each of your turns to pull yourself back up. Your drone-mount can handle your movement.

You can then enjoy +4 AC and +2 Reflex from cover. Your drone can be attacked, but given that you can repair the drone by spending 10 minutes to restore 10% of its maximum Hit Points, better than drone than you.

Is this a sound combat tactic for a mechanic?

[Klobbermeister]

Honestly, I don't see why not.

What do you find silly about your (not too terribly fast) mode of transportation being able to autonomously shoot/slice/pummel your enemies?? :D

[Shaudius]

I mean, its a build I plan on exploring but its only a little bit better than literally dropping prone and standing up every round if you know you wont be melee'd.

[Hijiggy]

With gunfights being the new norm I wouldn't be surprised if finding cover isn't that hard to to do i.e. hallways, crates etc. The mounted drone tactic is good for open spaces, but you could sit behind a crate and shoot for similar bonuses. Then your drone can go do its own thing?

[Outatime1985]

How about an armored tank build

[Metaphysician]

Yeah, I see no reason you couldn't do this, nor any reason it would be unbalanced. I mean, maybe it would seem that way if your GM only ever puts you in flat featureless plains with no cover. However, if your GM is only putting you in flat featureless plains with no cover, then they are doing it wrong and you have bigger problems than game mechanics.

[Scottybobotti]

You also give up the ability to full attack by doing this.