Folklore has it, the gauntlet was an ancient rite of passage in 18th century France. Each wearing an armored glove, members of the military would stand double line, facing each other, the subject directed down the middle, to receive striking blows from the armored gloves. In an adapted ceremony, tribal lore sent a graduating pubescent male down the line to receive stunning blows from sticks, clubs and rocks. The purpose was not to kill or maim, only to inflict maximum pain. Each participant had once passed through that same gauntlet, branded by the group, now as one of their own.

It was also the opportunity for a hidden rival to lay ambush, exact retribution for a past transgression. The culture of the gauntlet did not punish the ambush. All saw it as a test of character for the brave new warrior.

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