HALO MONTH ON XBLGAMERHUB WITH MAXIMUS 116

XBLGAMERHUB are celebrating being on Halo Waypoint by dedicating the month of April to Halo 4! Here's Maximus 116 to explain a little more.

INTRODUCING XBLG'S SPARTAN MAXIMUS 116

Our good friend Spartan Maximus 116 has been busy on the battlefield, But even the toughest tested Spartans need to take a little time out every once in awhile.

343 INDUSTRIES AT GDC 2013

Here's a recap of 343 Industries Creative Director Josh Holmes panel session at this years Game Developers conference.  343i looks back on the challenges they met creating a new studio which faced making a faithful entry in a beloved franchise.

FORGE ISLAND OUT NOW!

You heard me right, Forge Island has released early and is now available for all to download for free over on the XBL marketplace. Originally due for release on 11th April, bs angel gave us the heads up that Forge Island was ahead of schedule in today's Halo Waypoint bulletin, But i didn't expect it to be this ahead of schedule! 

Be sure to head on over to the XBL marketplace to download it now.

Happy forging! 

THE HALO BULLETIN: 3.28.13

This weeks Halo Waypoint Bulletin is here, And is dedicated to the Halo communities PAX East Q&A'S. Be sure to click THIS LINK and head over to take a read!

HALO 4 TITLE UPDATE GOES LIVE

The Halo 4 title update has just gone live, The issues fixed are as follows -


* Enabled “X-Markers” on the HUD to designate when and where teammates are killed.

* Updated Active Cammo to fully reveal players when they fire all weapons.

*Reduced the auto aim, magnetism and damage on the Gauss Warthog.

* Fixed an issue in which some players at SR-130 did not see their Specialization on their in-game Player Card.

* Fixed various issues with ordnance navigation markers.

* Fixed various join-in-progress issues with Flood.

*Added the ability to make weapon adjustments via backend tuning.

With these various issues being taken care of, What are you waiting for? Back to the battlefield Spartan!

COMMUNITY FORGE FFA PLAYLIST GUIDE

Beyond Entertainment -

Earlier this week, the Forge FFA Playlist dropped with plenty of innovative and entertaining maps crafted by the Forge community. Saucey is here to give you all of the important details that will help you dominate the playlist, whether it's weapon spawn locations and times, or general strategy.

HALO 4 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK VOLUME 2 ANNOUNCEMENT

343 Industries announced this yesterday over on Halo Waypoint -

Following the critical and commercial success of the record-breaking 2012 release Halo 4 Original Soundtrack by the award-winning producer and composer Neil Davidge, we are pleased to announce, in conjunction with 7Hz Productions, the release of Halo 4 Original Soundtrack Volume 2, available on April 8th 2013. 

Halo 4 Original Soundtrack Volume 2 is a 20-track digital release and companion volume, featuring an expanded landscape of the key musical themes from the game that we couldn't fit on the first volume. 11 of the tracks are composed and produced by Neil Davidge with a further 8 by 343 in-house composer Kazuma Jinnouchi. The soundtrack also includes Kazuma’s new interpretation of Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s iconic “Never Forget” from Halo 3. The tracks on Halo 4 Original Soundtrack Volume 2 are presented in chronological order as they appear in the game, to help bring the listener right into the heart of the Halo 4 experience. Halo 4 Soundtrack Volume 2 will be available April 8th for $9.99. 

Halo 4 Soundtrack Volume 2 Track listing -

1. Atonement (3:16) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi 
2. Gravity (2:09) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi 
3. Wreckage (3:24) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi 
4. Aliens (5:31) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
5. Kantele Bow (4:04) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
6. Pylons (5:39) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
7. Escape (3:57) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
8. Swamp (2:49) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
9. Push Through (4:44) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
10. Convoy (4:44) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
11. To Galaxy (Extended) (7:04) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
12. Lasky’s Theme (3:55) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi 
13. Foreshadow (3:34) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
14. Cloud City (4:35) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
15. This Armour (4:47) 
Composed and Produced by Neil Davidge 
16. Intruders (3:39) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi 
17. Mantis (4:02) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi 
18. Sacrifice (3:02) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi 
19. Never Forget (Midnight Version) (4:37) 
Composed by Martin O Donnell and Michael Salvatori 
20. Majestic (2:12) 
Composed by Kazuma Jinnouchi

With the huge success that came with the Original soundtrack we're sure excited to get our hands on volume 2.

HALO 4 MULTIPLAYER: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. PAX EAST PANEL

Halo Waypoint -

Hear 343 Industries' Kevin Franklin, Andy "Bravo" Dudynsky and Jessica Shea as well as Certain Affinity's Tom Potter and Rooster Teeth's Bernie Burns discuss where we've been, where we are, and what is on the horizon for Halo 4 Multiplayer.

HALO WAYPOINT PAX EAST RECAP: PART 02

Didn't make it PAX East? We have you covered with our second recap from the show floor. Jessica Shea is joined by Kevin Franklin and Certain Affinity's Tom Potter to breakdown all the announcements from our panel and recap the weekend.

OUR ROXIO GAME CAPTURE HD PRO UNBOXING/REVIEW

Here's our unboxing and review video of the Roxio Game Capture HD Pro kindly supplied to us from our sponsors Roxio.com.

Be sure to head on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you'll find our latest videos covering all things Halo, The futures bright, Watch this space, Spartans.

RUL'S HALO NEWS RECAP

RUL's Minolta1034 brings us all the latest Halo 4 news in one handy jam packed video.

He discusses all the info released at PAX East 2013 including the title update, Forge Island, the new CSR system and some new info on Spartan Ops Season 2. 

HALO FAN ART - SOULLESSONYX

I would like to take a moment to share with you all the handiwork we recently discovered by our friend SoullessOnyx.  And here's a short statement from Conor himself. Enjoy!

Hey YouKnowYoureASpartan.com thank you for taking the time to browse my images I have made dedicated for my enjoyment for the Halo universe.
My name is Conor Davies or ( SoullessOnyx ) on the Interwebs, I have recently only started making images dedicated to Halo and enjoy making them on Photoshop. 
I just enjoy putting art and gaming together to make things like this and then upload them to my DeviantArt account...
( soullessonyx.deviantart.com)

Thank you to anyone that checks out the link above ^_^

- Conor Davies

His creativity is spectacularly captured in his creations, Fantastic job, And thank you for sharing them with us here on YouKnowYoureASpartan.

Do you have something you would like to see featured here on YouKnowYoureASpartan.com? Email us - info@YouKnowYoureASpartan.com 

HALO WAYPOINT - PAX EAST RECAP: PART 01

Didn't make it to PAX East? We have you covered with our first recap from the show floor. Andy "Bravo" Dudynsky gives our first of two updates with footage from our exclusive VIP party, Castle Map Pack games from the booth and more! Stay tuned for more updates this weekend from HaloWaypoint including our full panel, Halo 4 Multiplayer: Past, Present and Future. Enjoy!

For more information check out www.halowaypoint.com

COMPETITION TIME! - KONTROLFREEK - WINNER!

Firstly, We would like to thank all of you who took the time to enter our KontrolFreek competition, It has been a huge success and the response was simply fantastic, So much in fact that we will certainly be holding similar competitions in the near future.

And now, It's time to announce our lucky winner... (Drum roll please....)






Terry Hill
 ''i think i should win because i have made my own versions several times   with pennys bottle caps and blue tack worked well but only for a short time lmfao"


Congratulations Terry Hill!  You have won yourself a set of Halo 4 themed FPSFREEK Infinity c/o KontrolFreek! You will be contacted shortly and your FPSFreek's will be heading your way next week! 

If you didn't win this time, Fear not, Our sponsors at KontrolFreek are offering you 10% off over at KontrolFreek.com. Simply use the discount code 'SPARTAN' at the checkout and 10% will be discounted from your order, It's that simple.

Keep your eyes peeled for our next competition which will soon be coming your way, And boy! Do we have something special in the pipeline. I'm certain you wont wanna miss this one.

Until next time, Spartan...

AXIOS 

343 INDUSTRIES PANEL @ PAX EAST 2013.

Thanks to our friends over at ReadyUpLive.com and PodtacTV here's 343 Industries PAX East 2013 panel, discussing the future of Halo 4 multiplayer, We get an indepth look at the new Castle Map Pack DLC coming April 8th, The new competitive skill ranking system, And 343i Kevin Franklin gives us our first glimpse at the new 'Forge Island' aswell as many other covered topics. 

100 FUNNY WAYS TO DIE IN HALO 4

So, It happens to the best of us, No matter how skillful your game style may be, At some point you're gonna die, But if you can make light of a bad situation then Halo4Follower certainly knows how to do it. Here's a '100 Funny Ways to Die' montage video, Enjoy!

ROOSTER TEETH - ACHIEVEMENT HORSE #119

Rooster Teeth's Jack and Ray face off in Halo 4 PIG to decide the fate of the planet. Or not, maybe they just play the game. Make sure you check out AchievementHunter.com/HaloHorseMaps and vote your favorite maps.

THE BALL SACK #7 – GRIFBALL Q&A

GrifballHub brings us The Ball Sack #7.

The Ball Sack is a mailbag style Q&A series where you get a chance to send in your Grifball related (and random stuff) questions and comments directly to the GBH content manager Goosechecka, Be sure to head on over to GrifballHub.com to submit your questions and who knows, You may just get a reply in there next episode!   

Click here to visit the GrifballHub YouTube channel and check out previous Ball Sack episodes.

PODTACULAR - HALO 4 CAMPAIGN, RECLAIMER

From Dust Storm - 

Infinity is back in the sky but remains locked inside Requiem from the gravity well at the entrance of the Forerunner planet. Gypsy company has been deployed to take out particle cannons lining the path to the well, making way for Infinity to get a shot at the well. The journey is not a simple one and you unexpectedly run into an ancient Forerunner, who has a purpose for you. Friend of the show GrimBrother One joins us for what is likely the game defining mission in the Halo 4 Campaign. Enjoy!

Podtacular - Halo 4 Campaign, Reclaimer.

20,000 XP SILENTIUM CODE CRACKED

Our first Silentium Waypoint code has been discovered.

There's no special requirements needed to unlock this one, Just simply punch in the above code over on HaloWaypoint to instantly unlock 20,000XP along with a rather strange video named 'REBIRTH'.

XBLGAMERHUB GOES HALO 4 THIS APRIL

XBLGAMERHUB celebrates being on Halo Waypoint next month by going Halo cRaZy!

XBLG will be featured this April on Halo Waypoint  and to celebrate we will be running a number of exclusive competitions and tournaments where you could be in for a chance on winning some amazing Halo 4 swag.

 XBLG's finest “That Xbox Show” will be appearing on Halo Waypoint, the focal point of all things related to 343 Industries and the Halo 4 franchise. Waypoint has long been the best way for players to dive into their own stats whilst keeping up to date with all the latest Halo news by way of the Halo Bulletin, not to mention the most up to date news on upcoming DLC like the Castle Map Pack, straight from the mouths of the developers themselves. Dive deeper into the the Halo universe with the Intel Tab which gives you access to the files of the UNSC, detailing weapons, vehicles, enemies and more.

XBLG is proud to be accepted into the Halo Waypoint community.. So make sure that you’re keeping an eye out for us on Waypoint, As we look forward to seeing you there soon, Spartan. 

LOCK AND LOAD - SPARTAN OPS

Our Halo series 'LOCK AND LOAD' continues over on XBLGAMERHUB..

In this episode we look back on Spartan Ops Episode 1 - Chapter 1.

We have some amazing community content coming your way, And an exclusive Halo 4 competition coming in April. So stay tuned and subscribe.

HALO WAYPOINT - SILENTIUM SNEAK PEEK

Halo Waypoint's bs angel treated us to this little beauty earlier today -



'Some people read before bed, others read on their commute, and still more tend to do both (just as long as you don't do all three at the same time). Regardless of which category you fall into, we’re hoping all of you have enough free time to indulge in a little Halo-related reading because we have a treat for you today in the form of an exclusive book excerpt. Written by legendary science fiction author Greg Bear, Halo: Silentium is the third and final novel in the Halo Forerunner Saga.

You can visit Tor's website to read the first chapter of Silentium, then return here to find the second chapter below. Halo: Silentium will be released in its entirety on March 19, 2013. Enjoy the sneak peek!

TWO
MIDDAY AND THE skies grow dark with ships. Lightning flashes along the far horizon. We stand on the rim of a promontory overlooking a wide, flat plain covered as far as the eye can see with dry grass—three Lifeworkers and me.
The Lifeworkers have been tasked with the selection and collection of but a few of this planet’s living things, that the coming Halo desecration may one day be forgiven when our lives are summed at the end of Living Time. The planet is called Erde-Tyrene. Ships great and small sweep over the continent where humans may have first evolved.
I am Catalog. I record all that I am called upon to witness. I am filled with evidence and testimony related to the cases at hand. Accessing investigations conducted on other worlds, I study many histories: Clans and families and partners split apart by the Flood war, cities destroyed, star systems scoured to prevent infection. All that terror and hatred burn inside me like so many flame-carved scars. These events echo through the Domain, and inevitably attract the attention of Juridicals. The Juridicals then dispatch Catalog.
I am one of many. 
We are all the same. 
In theory.
Once my presence has been mandated, no one can refuse me. In the investigation of a possible crime, Catalog determines what is passed along to the Juridicals. Nobody wishes to be accused of crimes against the Mantle. But that is just one of the potential charges on which I gather testimony and evidence.
The three Lifeworkers beside me have finished early surveys and activated the beacons that in turn have told all humans imprinted with the Librarian’s geas to settle their affairs and gather. The evacuation has been going on for many days. The plain before us is alive with an incessant, dreadful noise—the screams of frightened humans and other animals, cowering as ships swoop down and Lifeworkers emerge to collect.
Everywhere on Erde-Tyrene, across the prairies and over the mountains, between the islands, even across a thick northern cloak of glaciers, terrified humans leave their hunting grounds, their farms and villages and towns. The animals so summoned have no choice. By the grace of the Lifeworkers, many will be preserved. Most will not.
The Librarian, it is said, favors humans. But as Catalog I am aware that she has studied and favored one hundred and twenty- three technologically capable species across three million worlds within the explored regions of our galaxy. How many of these she will seek to preserve, it is not my job to predict or even to understand.
The Lifeworkers have sworn to carry out the commands of the New Council, reconstituted from survivors found deep beneath the ruins of the Capital world. Most of the Old Council was killed by the metarch- level ancilla known as Mendicant Bias when it unleashed the killing power of Halo, possibly at the instigation of the Master Builder.
That is one of the cases Juridicals will examine and decide. But that is not why I am here.
The three Lifeworkers stand silent and solemn beside me. Their white armor provides them with information from around Erde-Tyrene. I receive similar data from Juridical probes spread around the ecumene in anticipation of new cases. At the moment, however, only the local network is available to me.
Across the thunder- booming plain, out of the bellies of the great ships, thousands of lesser ships drop and spread like mosquitoes, their engines a distant, buzzing whine.
Many trail yellowish curtains like tainted rain. This is solute, which will cause every animal killed by Halo action to instantly decay into component molecules. This will avert an ecological miasma. But it could also be construed as a way to hide a tremendous crime from later investigators.
Very interesting to Catalog.
Lifeworkers have time and resources to preserve less than one out of a thousand of Erde-Tyrene’s large species. A great extinction will follow. Very soon, this world will be quiet. This may not in itself constitute a crime against the Mantle. Deliberate and total extinction would qualify, and this is not that.
Not yet.
The chief Lifeworker, a mature third-form named Carrier-of-Immunity, receives a signal from our ship, a seeker transport parked on a rocky promontory a few dozen meters behind us.
“The Lifeshaper is in the system,” he says.
“Are we to meet with the Lifeshaper?” Celebrator-of-Birth, a young first-form, asks hopefully. There are billions of Lifeworkers but only one Lifeshaper.
“Not yet. The community of Marontik has yet to be processed.” Carrier adds, “I have new orders, however. Catalog will be removed from Erde-Tyrene. I will accompany him to the Lifeshaper’s ship.”
“The Librarian interrupts my investigation?” I ask, suddenly on alert. Crime ever multiplies and grows!
“That’s all I know,” Carrier says. “Please come with me.” He walks toward the transport. I have no choice but to follow, leaving the others on the rim rock overlooking the evacuations.
We enter the ship and are swiftly conveyed to low orbit. I withdraw my external sensors and go silent on all channels and frequencies. There is no reason to discuss matters with this Lifeworker. He has little power and less culpability.
We dock with the Librarian’s ship and I am released onto the passenger deck. Carrier-of-Immunity withdraws, no doubt with relief, to return to Erde-Tyrene. I am alone. The deck is wide, empty, dark. Despite the power of the Juridicals, I am apprehensive.
The suspects in our investigation are legendary: the Librarian, the IsoDidact, and the Master Builder. All have yet to be deposed. The Librarian has been granted a temporary waiver due to her pressing duties.
The IsoDidact is an ingenious copy of the original Didact, who imprinted a Manipular named Bornstellar- Makes- Eternal- Lasting. He has assumed control of Forerunner defense and oversees the security of Lifeworker activities. The Librarian maintains this copy is still her husband. He calls her wife.
As the minutes pass, I hear echoing noises in the gloom. Then, through an opening port, sunlight flows like burning gold and splashes against two shadows, one ominous and bulky, the other smaller and slender.
The IsoDidact’s form nearly overwhelms that of the Librarian. He is a Promethean, the most honored class of the old Warrior- Servants, wide and thick and strong, with great arms and massive hands. His broad face, piercing eyes, and fl at nose have a classically Forerunner yet brutish aspect. There is little hint of the Manipular that took the Didact’s imprint. The segments of his battle armor hover just above an inner shell of hard light that outlines him in lines of pale blue. One can often tell a Forerunner’s mood by the color of his or her armor. This armor is dark with displeasure.
“It is not right to interfere with Juridicals,” he murmurs.
“There is no interference,” the Librarian insists, stepping forward. Smaller, more delicately constructed than the Promethean, her eyes seem larger, all- seeing. She wears blue Lifeworker armor, narrow grooves and slots along the arms and torso concealing persuaders, scanners, sample bays, subcutanes, biopsy probes, and other instruments of her profession.
“Your escorts did not explain their reasons,” the IsoDidact says. Culpability for the actions of his original could become an interesting point of law.
“They were following orders,” the Librarian says. “They could not know my intent.”
She turns her full attention to me. Lifeshaper is her title among Lifeworkers—a term of extreme regard. Her slender body and careworn face, with those great, dark eyes, revive emotions I might have felt before assuming the carapace. I once had an eye for beauty among all rates. Yet the Librarian’s beauty lies neither in youth nor in physical perfection.
She is in many ways flawed: a tilt of one eye, slanted lower lip, unseemly whiteness of teeth. She seems to have deliberately adopted a few characteristics of those humans she now collects. I wonder if that makes her more or less beautiful to the IsoDidact.
“I am solely to blame,” she says, and walks around me, her gait light as air. Her eyes study and soothe at once.
For a moment, I am unhappy being Catalog. There is no particular reason for either the Librarian or the IsoDidact to show me favor or even civility. Recent history has not been kind to them—nor have the Juridicals.
I rotate my carapace to track her. “My work has been interrupted,” I say. “I am here on a Council- approved investigation.”
Now the IsoDidact makes his circuit, hand to helmet’s chin, as if studying an adversary. “Builders supplied your carapace,” he says. “Your colleagues have been subverted in the past.”
“Subversion is most unlikely,” I say, measuring the situation.
“What Builders have done to undermine your integrity, they can keep secret even from you. It has happened before.” There is nothing I can or would wish to say to justify the crimes committed under the Master Builder’s centuries of misrule. “Those times were unfortunate,” I say. “They ended before I assumed the carapace. Those who strayed were punished.
“Even so…” the IsoDidact murmurs. The Librarian gives her husband a look of mild reproof, but with a hint of admiration. Are they about to shut down my investigation, sequester me? The probability, my ancilla tells me, is rather high.
“I have been cut off from my remotes,” I protest. “I insist on gathering evidence without interference.”
“We have no intention of interfering,” she says. “Husband?”
The IsoDidact lays his hand on my carapace. “Our diagnostics find no evidence of Builder tampering. Full access will resume.”
I send out queries. The ship’s ancilla cooperates. I receive new data from my remotes. They fill in gaps in my continuous record. But communication with the greater Juridical network is still problematic.
The IsoDidact keeps his hand on my carapace. I am not sure of his intentions. “Juridicals are investigating the destruction of the Capital world,” he says. “I was there, you know. Ask me what happened.”
I was not aware of this. Had he been present as the IsoDidact, or as the Manipular? Into my silence he continues, “Catalog must also report new crimes—crimes in progress—to the Juridicals and to the New Council, correct?”
“That is my duty,” I say.
“Would it not be efficient to take our testimonies now, while Lifeworkers preserve this system’s life forms? There is no crime here, Catalog—only mercy and pity.”
I had never expected to be brought before these two, or to take their testimony on any matter. I could make a request to expand the scope of my investigation, but with communications so sporadic, the response may be delayed.
“I have little power in the matter. I must obtain permission…” Very embarrassing.
The IsoDidact and his wife link hands and engage in silent conversation. When they finish, the Didact faces me. “I see by your manner that you were once a Warrior- Servant. Why diminish—why abandon your rate for this?”
Strange for this one to speak of such! Yet once, I had been almost as large and nearly as strong. Why did I give up that strength? Because of my own crime, before I assumed the carapace. Going against the creed of my rate. Against the express command of my mentor. Allowing anger to overwhelm judgment.
The strength of Catalog lies in personal awareness of the nature of guilt.
“Be not so bold, Husband,” the Librarian cautions.
The IsoDidact raises a massive hand and gives it a half-turn. I know the meaning of the gesture: command received. He clenches thick fingers, then loosens them. Their offer may be withdrawn. And what they may have to say does seem relevant to many cases under our review.
“I am not presently in contact with the Juridical network,” I say. “Until such time as communication resumes, I will take your testimonies.”
“Wise move, Catalog,” the IsoDidact says in an undertone. But we are suddenly interrupted by alarms. A group of Lifeworkers and Warrior- Servants gathers protectively around the Librarian and the IsoDidact. The deck has gone weightless; we all float. Field activators flicker across the bulkheads, coordinating with armor and carapace, as if in preparation for a quick journey to interplanetary orbit—an emergency jump. Images of looming Forerunner squadrons dance around the IsoDidact.
I am for the moment irrelevant.
“We’re in danger,” he growls. “Flood- infested ships have broken through our defenses, spread thin out here. We are ending operations on Erde-Tyrene. The Flood may be in this system in a few hours. You are far too important to risk, Wife.”
“But there are many more species to be saved!” she protests.
“These will have to suffice.”
Another silent communication between them. Husband and wife will be parted yet again. The Librarian’s expression turns deeply sad. Her beauty increases and my objectivity is once more threatened.
The IsoDidact directs that he be delivered to the only fully armed dreadnought in the system. After conducting defensive operations, and insuring the safety of Lifeworker ships, he will make his way back to the heart of the ecumene; his force here is far too small to go on the offensive.
“You’ll travel with the Librarian,” he tells me.
Between us, as between Warrior- Servants of old—the rate I once was, the rate he grew into so suddenly—there is a current of request, bequest, demand.
Protect her.
Strangely, I am happy to comply. “It would be my honor,” I say.
Their last moments together are spent in private, in a secluded angle of the bridge. Outside, the limb of Erde-Tyrene is serene, brown and blue and beige, capped in the north with great sheets of ice and all over deckled with clouds. All seems peaceful. The Lifeworker collection ships are withdrawing with the last of their specimens.
The Lifeshaper indicates I should follow her. “We will do what we can to save those we have collected,” she says. “I hope we can reach the greater Ark and deliver them to Safekeeping...”
Down a corridor, I see the IsoDidact conferring with other warriors. Their armor grows thicker and sturdier. A port opens and they push through into the dreadnought.
The ships separate.
The Librarian and I drop deeper into the collection hold, through layer upon layer of stacked zoological compartments, each hundreds of meters wide and equipped with illusions of sky, sea, land, whatever the animals carried therein will find relatively soothing. We are descending to the compression and storage chambers at the ship’s core.
“My husband has long held controversial views on Flood defense,” the Librarian says. Her eyes are stoic, but I sense reflections on an even deeper loss. “You may have guessed, he is skeptical about any Juridical investigation into the Master Builder.”
“I detect that opinion.”
“He is old- fashioned, you know. He expects you to do your best to protect me... even though you are no longer a Warrior-Servant.”
That stings, somehow.
The flexible tube deposits us in a weightless maze of storage cylinders attended by hundreds of monitors. This part of the ship is not accustomed to visitors. We drift a moment before an environmental field draws us down to a platform and courteously supplies breathable air.
“He presumes that any investigation should have begun= centuries earlier—does he not?” I ask, absorbing these details.
“Had the Juridicals been vigilant,” the Librarian says, “my husband might not have had to go into exile. He might have blocked the Flood’s most recent incursions— and we would have avoided all this.” Her hand sweeps around the broad inner chamber. “We will save less than one-thousandth of the larger species.”
“Animals,” I say, and then, to an arch of her brow, add, “Animals and humans, on Erde-Tyrene, due to your grace, Lifeshaper. Will saving fewer humans disappoint the IsoDidact?”
“I have heard Juridicals hold conservative views,” she counters. “Do you?”
“Before I took the carapace, I absorbed the attitudes of Warrior- Servants. I never fought humans, however. As for the Juridicals—their conservatism comes of long experience with the Domain. The cosmos, Lifeshaper, is highly conservative, don’t you agree?”
“The cosmos brought life into existence. Life is ever changing,” she says. “I have seen it open itself time and again to change, down to its living heart. But fascinating as these matters may be, I am here to testify about other events. Events that have yet to come to the attention of a Catalog.”
Implication that Catalog is many and not unity is a forgivable rudeness. Few understood the oaths and training involved in taking the carapace—or the singleness of purpose it brings. “Defense of your husband’s efforts is not to the point of our present inquiries,” I say. “Not now, at any rate. We have sufficient testimony about the Master Builder.” I am forbidden from telling her that the Master Builder is still alive and active in Flood defense. That is not my role.
“My husband and I were separated for a thousand years,” the Librarian says. “Much happened during that time. The Didact, while fully functional, currently possesses less than a third the active memory of…” She can hardly bring herself to say, “the original.”
“Understood,” I say. I am also forbidden from telling her that the Ur-Didact is alive as well and has been returned to the ecumene. Why does she not yet know?
“That may change in time,” she says, “as his imprint continues to flower. Yet he does remember some very disturbing things.”
“Strange you have not been called to give such evidence before now.”
“I was, when Juridicals were instruments of the Master Builder,” she says. “I rejected the request. You, however, are pure,” she says. “Are you not?” Her eyes shine with a sentiment mixing curiosity and, could it be, humor? This change from sadness energizes me. I am beginning to understand the power this Lifeworker has over those who share her labors.
All I can answer is, “I have to presume your diagnostics are accurate.”
“Good. What I will testify to is no longer of any use to the Master Builder, alive or dead, or to my husband’s opposition in the New Council.”
Alone, we have made our way to a closeted space away from the grim reduction. Only a few intact specimens will be kept in stasis; the rest will be reduced.
“It will be secure at any rate from political interference,” I say.
She thinks on this. “The Didact swore to protect the Mantle. And that is the primary duty of Lifeworkers.”
“Observing the rule of the Mantle is our primary duty as well,” I remind her. “All our laws rise to that brilliant glow.”
The bulkheads shape rudimentary furnishings. The Librarian’s armor unwinds from her upper torso. She stretches lithe arms, flexes her fingers, exhausted perhaps not so much from recent labors as the long burden of her story. Catalog has seen this before. Catalog can lift such burdens.
It is my duty to bear witness.
“A thousand years ago, my husband and I did not part on the best of terms. Now I am blessed to make peace with him. But as with all things in our lives, along with this gift comes something more.
“When the Didact left his imprint on a young Manipular, and returned to me in that way, a memory he had withheld for ten thousand years surfaced again to haunt him.” Her face loses some color. “Forerunners assert our duty to the Mantle. Yet on more than one occasion, our survival, pride, and arrogance took precedence. Forerunner humility gave way to desperate anger. Once, we rose up against our very creators…”
I know nothing of this. A fable, perhaps?
I do not judge. I record.

Silentium is due for release this month and can be pre-ordered now.

GRIFBALL SPRING LEAGUE 2013 - SIGN-UP NOW!

From Kalbelgarion:

Want to spend the month of March getting hammered? Registration is now open for GrifballHub's Spring 2013 season! Last season we had a record-breaking 2000 players on 400 teams participate in the league. This is your chance to get in on the Grifball action!

Check out this article for more information and to sign up your team. Registration is open until March 15, and games begin the week of March 18. The season will last for five weeks, followed by playoffs. 

COMPETITION TIME! - KONTROLFREEK

Thanks to our sponsors over at KontrolFreek we have a set of Halo 4 themed FPSFreek Infinity to give away.

First let me explain a little and give you my opinion on how these actually work..

so I've had my KontrolFreeks for a little under a week now, And at first i was just amazed how sweet these look, They have gone all out when designing these bad boys, And if like me, You love all things Halo related these are no exception...

I'm not going to lie, It took me a little while to appreciate what these are all about when using them in game, But bare with them and you'll soon see just how beneficial they really are. Before you know it you'll be gaming like a pro, And these Freeks will just feel like part of your controller, you wont want to be without them. They really are that awesome.

We have a set of these Halo 4 FPSFreek Infinity for one of you to win,

So how do i enter? I hear you all ask, 

Well, It's simple really, To enter follow these easy steps -  

Head on over to Facebook. 

Like - YouKnowYoureASpartan. 

Like - KontrolFreek.

Like - XBLGAMERHUB. 

Once you've done that, Post a comment on YouKnowYoureASpartan's Facebook page explaining why you think you should win. 

It really is as simple as that! So make sure you enter, And before you know it these Freeks could be yours!

you can also get 10% off at www.kontrolfreek.com by using promotional code 'SPARTAN' when placing your order.

Until next time, Spartan...

AXIOS

HALO 4: CASTLE MAP PACK TRAILER

343 Industries today announced there third major expansion DLC, The Castle Map Pack. Launching Monday, 8th April. Developed by Certain Affinity, in collaboration with 343 Industries, the Castle Map Pack brings players three medium-to-large, stunning maps that emphasize vehicular warfare and large battles over open spaces, where team strategy will be key to successfully conquering the battlefield. Daybreak places you amidst military facilities, against the backdrop of an idyllic mountain range, while Outcast plunges you into the natural tunnels and arches of a secluded rebel outpost. Perdition takes players into the heart of an urban battleground, where tactical speed and situational awareness are essential to achieving victory. The Castle Map pack provides 9 new Achievements worth a total of 250 Gamerscore.

COMPETITION TIME! WINNERS

The response to our competition has been amazing, And we would like to take a second to say thank you to all those who participated, Some of the entries were hilarious, Some were rather X-Rated, And some had to be censored, But all in all it was great fun reading them.

So here's your winners!

If you're one of the lucky ones, Congratulations! You will receive both a male and female 'War Master' Avatar codes shortly. 

And if you haven't won this time, Not to worry, Keep your eyes peeled, There will be avatar codes given away again in the future! (Maybe on our Twitter)

                                                    Until next time, Spartan...

                                                                            AXIOS

HALO 4 - FAILS OF THE WEAK 129

Jack and Geoff are here with yet another pulse pounding and heart stopping edition of Halo 4 Fails of the Weak! Not for the faint of heart!

INTRODUCING DESOLATE CREATIONS

When working with the Halo community, i often find your creations spectacularly entertaining, So much so that i have to share your work with the world, And this guy is no exception...

Allow me to introduce you to Collin Royster, Collin is a costume artist who owns Des0late Creations, He has worked on many outstanding creations, here's a small taster of his handy work to date, and a statement from Collin himself, Enjoy.

'Hello YouKnowYoureASpartan.com and thank you guys for being interested in what I love.  My name is Collin Royster (AKA desolate) I have been doing costuming/prop making for 6+ years.  I really enjoy it.  I hope you guys like the pics I sent over.  If you guys want to keep up with what I am doing like my page on Facebook www.facebook.com/desolatecreations and i also post up stuff on www.facebook.com/stonyprops .  I have so many things I have been working on and I would love for you guys to join me and watch my progress.  Me and my wife also post things on www.xblgamerhub.com. Check us out on there.

- Collin Royster.  

HALO 4: THE ESSENTIAL VISUAL GUIDE ANNOUNCED

343i have announced Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide.


Created with DK Publishing, this guide is set to be your companion to the world of Halo 4. It will Feature indepth detail, with breathtaking artwork from the Halo universe. With a collection of facts and detailed sections about the weapons, vehicles, characters, armor, equipment, ships and locations it's set to be a real treat to add to your Halo collection. 

Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide is due for release on 24/9/2013 for $16.99 (around £12.00).

THE HALO BULLETIN: 3.6.13

This weeks Halo Waypoint Bulletin have arrived, And is looking sexier than ever i must say. We get treated to an interview with Greg Bear, The author of the Halo Forerunner trilogy. 

We take alook at what to expect in next weeks matchmaking playlist update.
With the return of Team Fiesta. We get to see some of the best community screenshots of the week in Halo 4 Screenshot Spotlight - Armor Abilities. 

Be sure to hit THIS LINK to head on over to Waypoint and read the bulletin for yourself!

GRIFBALL GGL WINTER LEAGUE 2013 HIGHLIGHTS - PART 2

With the GGL (Good Games League) Winter League season coming to a close, those wonderful folk over at Grifballhub proudly present us with the GGL winter highlights part 2. If you missed part 1 that can be found right HERE!

HALO ART WORK - CREATED BY JAMIE SNELL

One of the best things which i love covering on You Know You're A Spartan is your Halo community creations. I often receive emails from many of you (Which i love!) displaying your hard work and dedication, And there's no better reward than sharing them with you all.

Please allow me to introduce you to Jamie Snell, Jamie is an artist who has worked with many great companies, Covering many different titles, And has also recently featured on HaloWaypoint.com, So you can imagine how pleased i was to receive these great Halo art work shots which Jamie has created. So here they are! For your Halo pleasure, Enjoy!