Summoner (Thor)

Description
The Summoner is a highly mobile heavy OmniMech that is commonly used by Clan Jade Falcon in a wide variety of roles. Barely a second generation OmniMech, the Jade Falcons introduced the Summoner just after becoming the first Clan to win OmniMech technology from Clan Coyote in 2863. The Summoner was dubbed Thor, its Inner Sphere reporting name, by Victor Steiner-Davion himself after fighting one on Trellwan. The name was supposedly inspired by the weapons loadout (in Prime configuration): a PPC and an AC, lightning and thunder, which are associated with the Norse god Thor.

The Summoner's balanced mix of speed, mobility, armor, and firepower make it a highly effective and reliable OmniMech.

Weapons and Equipment
The Summoner is powered by a lightweight 350 XL engine that gives the 'Mech a top speed of 86.4 km/h. The mobility of the Summoner is enhanced with five jump jets that allow it to jump up to one hundred and fifty meters. The Summoner has fourteen double heat sinks which are capable of handling the heat produced in most of the 'Mechs configurations with ease. To protect it from damage, the Summoner carries nine and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor.

In its primary configuration the Summoner has a basic yet effective arsenal. The primary direct fire weapon is an ER PPC backed up by an LB 10-X Autocannon that can fire both standard and cluster ammunition. For fire support and bombardment, the Summoner has an LRM-15 launcher.

Alternate Configurations

 * Alt. Config. A : For long range combat, the Summoner A has a powerful Gauss Rifle which is supported by a Large Pulse Laser for intermediate ranges and an SRM-6 launcher for close combat. BV (1.0) = 2,119, BV (2.0) = 2,145


 * Alt. Config. AA : A configuration introduced in the Dark Age era, this version carries a Gauss Rifle, SRM-6, and an ER Large Pulse Laser. BV (2.0) = 2,216


 * Alt. Config. B : A missile bombardment configuration, the B configuration carries a pair of LRM-20 launchers for long range engagements. For close combat, the Summoner B has two SRM-4 launchers. A Narc Missile Beacon allows the Summoner to designate targets for missile fire from other friendly units. The Summoner B has further protection through the use of an Anti-Missile System which gives it increased protection from missile attacks. BV (1.0) = 2,175, BV (2.0) = 2,159


 * Alt. Config. C : A close range brawler, the Summoner C is armed with a single ER Large Laser for long range sniping at enemy targets but truly comes into its own at close range. The 'Mech relies on a powerful Ultra Autocannon/20 for quick kill capabilities at close ranges. This is backed up by a highly accurate Streak SRM-6 launcher to seek out weak points in an enemy's armor and an ER Small Laser. BV (1.0) = 2,168, BV (2.0) = 2,379


 * Alt. Config. D : A multi-role configuration of the Summoner, the D configuration is armed with a pair of ER Large Lasers for long range combat. These are backed up by a pair of ER Medium Lasers for short range combat. All of these lasers are linked to an advanced Targeting Computer making the 'Mech highly accurate. For anti-infantry combat, the 'Mech has a pair of Machine Guns. A pair of Anti-Missile Systems give the 'Mech protection from missile carrying 'Mechs and vehicles. BV (1.0) = 2,664, BV (2.0) = 2,643


 * Alt. Config. E : Configured to take advantage of the new Advanced Tactical Missile system, the Summoner E carries an ER PPC for long range sniping capabilities. This is backed up by an ATM-6 launcher and an ATM-12 launcher which are both capable of firing a variety of specialized missiles that are configured for long, medium, and short range combat making this configuration deadly at any range. BV (1.0) = 2,518 (2,530), BV (2.0) = 2,612


 * Alt. Config. F : This version of the Summoner carries an Ultra AC/5 and ER Medium Laser in each arm, backed up by a torso mounted LRM-10 and ER Medium Laser. BV (2.0) = 2,186


 * Alt. Config. G : This variant is most adept sniping at long range, then dashing in to finish off its foe. The long-range punch comes from an ER PPC and an ER Large Laser, each of which is capable of opening holes in an enemy's armor. To exploit those holes, the Summoner G carries six SRM-4s and a Heavy Small Laser. BV (2.0) = 2,452


 * Alt. Config. H : Similar in concept to the D configuration, the Summoner H carries two Heavy Large Lasers as its primary weapons for incredibly powerful hitting power backed up by two ER Medium Lasers. These are all linked to an advanced Targeting Computer for greater accuracy. This configuration also carries a single Anti-Missile system for increased protection. BV (1.0) = 2,394, (2,416) , BV (2.0) = 2,536


 * Alt. Config. HH : This variant uses an array of new weaponry. It mounts a Plasma Cannon, Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle 20, Heavy Medium Laser, and a pair of ER Medium Lasers. To defend against conventional infantry, the HH carries an Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle. BV (2.0) = 2,490


 * Alt. Config. J : The main firepower is provided by a HAG-40 in the left arm/torso. This is supported by twin Improved Heavy Medium Lasers in the right arm. A Light Active Probe is mounted in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 2,666


 * Alt. Config. M : The preferred configuration of Nicolai Malthus, the M configuration is similar to the primary configuration in that it has an ER PPC as its primary weapon backed up by an LB 10-X Autocannon. Where it deviates is that for close combat the M configuration of the Summoner has a Streak SRM-6 and an ER Small Laser as secondary weapons. BV (1.0) = 2,254, BV (2.0) = 2,251


 * Alt. Config. Q : This configuration uses a Large Pulse Laser and ER PPC for primary firepower. For close combat it carries a Heavy Small Laser and Heavy Medium Laser and six SRM-4 missile launchers. BV (2.0) = 2,479


 * Alt. Config. T : An ER PPC mounted in the right arm is supplemented by a ProtoMech AC/8 in the left arm. A Streak LRM-15 in the left torso provides additional firepower. The missile launcher and autocannon each have two tons of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 2,355


 * Alt. Config. U : This version carries a pair of ER PPCs tied into a Targeting Computer and a single LRT-15. Strangely for a configuration designed to fight underwater, this version is equipped with Jump Jets. BV (2.0) = 3,092


 * Alt. Config. Z : This configuration was used by The Society. It has a 150 meter jump capability and a Nova CEWS. Its right arm carries an experimental ER Large Pulse Laser. The left arm carries eight AP Gauss Rifles to deal with battle armor and conventional infantry. The left torso mounts a single iATM 12 with three tons of ammunition.

Apocryphal Configurations
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From MechWarrior Online:
 * SMN-PD "Pride" : A customized variant of the Summoner supposedly piloted by Aidan Pryde, the Pride uses an Ultra Autocannon/10 in its left arm, supported by a Ultra Autocannon/5, each with one ton of ammo. In the left torso carries a ER Medium Laser with two Clan Anti Missile Systems and a ton of AMS ammo in the left torso. A single ER Medium Laser in the right torso.

Design Quirks
The Summoner has the following Design Quirks:
 * Improved Communications
 * Ubiquitous

Related Designs

 * Thresher - Clan Jade Falcon became the first Clan to win OmniMech technology from Clan Coyote in 2863. Shortly after winning this new technology, the Jade Falcons used Thresher BattleMechs as the basis for production of the Summoner OmniMech, a design which has since dominated the Jade Falcon touman.


 * Thanatos - Originally designed as an Omnimech, the Thanatos BattleMech was originally created to emulate the Summoner.


 * Sunder - The Sunder OmniMech was reverse-engineered from Clan OmniMech salvage after the Battle of Luthien. Until later production runs of the Sunder, the chassis of Summoner and Hellbringer (Loki) OmniMechs were reinforced to bear the extra weight, resulting in significant actuator problems.


 * Falconer - This 'Mech was designed in part by Hanse Davion, who sought a 'Mech that could beat the Falcons at their own game. Its movement profile and performance were clearly inspired in part by the Clan Thor, a 'Mech that caused Federated Commonwealth troops no end of difficulties.


 * Thor II - Developed by Clan Jade Falcon in 3093, the Thor II or Grand Summoner improved upon the original Thor by removing the permanently mounted Jump Jets and adding an Endo-Steel frame.  Mounting a similar energy-ballistic-missile loadout as its progenitor, the Thor II is superior to the original design in almost every way.

Notable Pilots

 * The Summoner was the preferred BattleMech of Aidan Pryde, though he used a Timber Wolf in his final battle on Tukayyid, because no Summoner was available in his garrison cluster.
 * Khan Marthe Pryde was a feared Summoner pilot throughout her career.
 * Star Colonel Nicolai Malthus piloted the Summoner-M variant.
 * Star Captain Quinn Kerensky of the Jade Falcons pilots the G variant, which she made famous.
 * Loremaster Edmund Hoyt of Clan Smoke Jaguar, killed during the Battle of Tukayyid was a Summoner pilot.

Quote
"If you see a Falcon not in a Summoner, Hellbringer or Kit Fox, double your caution."

- Clan Coyote adage