A question to all folks who are sharp as a tack when it comes to the system's rules interactions. I've recently been greatly enjoying Black Thumb as a Talent (Rodeo, specifically). However, the likely scenario of one of our team's pilots having to go into a new combat without their mech has come up (irreversible meltdowns will do that). Given that my dear Everest has an Expanded Compartment, what is stopping me from:
- Getting out of my pilot chair and into the EC's rumble seat;
- Having my buddy hop behind the controls in my place;
- Rodeoing to my heart's content without ever passing control to the COMP/CON, while my buddy drives my frame to the full extent of his Talents?
I've been giving it a think, but as the rules are written, I don't think there are any restrictions that would prevent this. It's certainly not 'broken' by any stretch of the imagination; we'd still be entering the next fight with the same amount of Structure facing us, while down 1 mech. Action-economy wise, it seems fairly balanced to me.
Any input would be greatly appreciated! :)
EDIT 01/05: Thanks everyone for taking the time to weigh in! Very astute of u/rockabilly- to note that the Everest license is one that all pilots possess, and thus the 'driving without a license' penalties on p. 74 of the Core Book likely won't apply :)
It's far from a viable build, as some of you have noted (and I'm sure my buddy'd love to get a fresh Sherman printed back at base) but as far as contingencies go, I think this one's pretty dang neat ^^