kabu stopped in with word of a couple of different HBO Fan Fic Pick of the Week entries – swing by for the educated choices of HBOFF community members!(Louis Wu 15:45:44 UTC)

Four new pieces are up for your reading pleasure in the Fan Fiction section – go read!(Louis Wu 14:09:11 UTC)

Eep – not sure how I missed it… but last night, a new ‘Breaking In’ article went up at Bungie.net – Associate Producer Jessie Coombs (it’s her responsibility to make sure the art for Halo: Reach comes in on time) holds forth on drumming, tv-watching dogs, and getting jobs that taste like cupcakes. Go read!(Louis Wu 13:49:58 UTC)

IGN has a preview writeup of the Rally Point map they played at Gamescom (we mentioned the videos yesterday). Not a lot there – but if you’re looking for every tidbit of info about new Firefight maps, go read this.(Louis Wu 13:34:49 UTC)

There’s only one day left – but if you’re interested in buying a (fan-created) rough cast of a wearable Recon helmet with ‘DARE’ inscribed above the visor, swing by eBay and bid. Buy It Now price is $175, starting bid is $150. The seller has said that more than one can be made. Thanks, Fragclone.(Louis Wu 12:07:04 UTC)

STARstruCk was at Gamescom this week, playing Halo 3: ODST’s Firefight mode… and filmed the entire process, including some behind-the-scenes setup stuff with Bungie’s Brian Jarrard. (This might not be of huge interest to folks who just want to play the game – but if you’re curious how grueling a trade show can be for the guys who have to show the game off… it’s a great watch.) Thanks, Kibbles.(Louis Wu 11:49:25 UTC)