Who remembers that 343 writing job a while back that required a writing sample that explained The Mantle as part of the job application? I got pretty far into the interview process.

I think the person who got the job is now also known as "Catalog" over on Waypoint.
(Not to be confused with the job of our glorious GrimBrother One, who is writing different content.)

Well, I gave it my best shot. Pretty happy with how it turned out.

This is it, if you're interested.

I have a version where I went in and typed out all of the citations for everything that is stated in this as well, for those who are not sure whether to believe what is claimed in the sample. :)

(And yes, it should read almost like I'm quoting things... that is intentional; I removed as many middlemen as I could between the new reader and the original, raw source material, and I was clear to state this in the application.)

Hope you enjoy!