Proving Festival

The Proving Festival is an Akaviri tradition practiced by some of their descendants who came to Tamriel in the First Era. It is preformed to honor the ancestors and call upon their judgment, for better or worse.

There are three "proofs which must be preformed:
 * the Proof of Reverence - a call on the ancestors to witness their deeds and to watch over to prove themselves worthy of their name. This is traditional accomplished by setting a paper lotus which acts as a ceremonial letter of sorts with the names of the ancestor written on it and set adrift in a river.
 * the Proof of Strength - a display of might and bravery. This involves a trial of heroism, where the descendant must brave some danger in order to accomplish a task. The Akaviri place a great emphasis on martial prowess.
 * the Proof of Wisdom - a test of knowledge and wit. Throughout Akaviri history, the Proof of Wisdom has been performed in a number of ways. Scholars draft grand essays, writers compose ornate poems, philosophers perform lengthy debates. It may also take the form of a puzzle or riddle that the participant must solve in order to pass.

According to Proconsul Beloren-Kaie, the Proving Festival not only allows the dead to view the living world, it invites them to cross over, as is the case during the events of "Descendant of the Potentate" when he returns to cast judgement upon Magnate Feina-Darak for her ancestors betrayal.