Provings
Provings, like many elements of dwarven life, are unique to the dwarven race. To a casual observer a Proving match between dwarves may appear mere bloodsport but to dwarves, the Provings embody far more.
The Provings in Orzammar are duels between dwarves held in the arena in the Orzammar Commons known as the Proving Grounds. When dwarves do battle in the arena it is a matter of great honor. The outcome of a Proving is believed to represent the favor of the dwarven Ancestors, those venerable dwarves of ages past whom all dwarves revere.
Background
With Provings embodying the will of the Ancestors, the matches take on great gravity and are therefore used as a means to settle disputes of honor, vengeance, debates in the Orzammar Assembly, and conflicts between noble houses, among other reasons.
Any dwarf may fight in a Proving but typically noble houses choose champions from the warrior caste. During ancient times the best warriors of the Grand Provings were named as Paragons of the dwarves and statues were constructed in their honor. It is unknown if this practice continues in the present day.
Provings are not explicitly fought to the death but that is often the outcome as it is commonly believed better for a single dwarf to die to settle a dispute to avoid greater bloodshed and death.
Provings have over time evolved into a form of entertainment, as demonstrated by the number of Proving fans one can witness loitering in the Orzammar Proving Grounds during the Fifth Blight. In recent years, Proving events are also held to honor special guests. Furthermore, the warrior caste holds tournaments in which outsiders may sometimes fight.
Lower caste dwarves typically do not participate in Provings unless their honor is at stake, and casteless are not allowed to participate at all, as dwarves believe their presence would insult the Ancestors.
The great gladiatorial battles of the Tevinter Imperium are based on the dwarven tradition and in fact King Endrin Stonehammerattended the first match of the Grand Proving arena in Minrathous.
In spite of the importance and sacredness of Provings, the matches are sometimes rigged to ensure favorable outcomes. It is known that House Tethras was exiled for such a crime. Also, Lord Vollney used the leader of the Carta, Beraht, to fix a match for him and even King Endrin Aeducan may have rigged the Proving which killed his brother, according to his son Bhelen Aeducan.
Types of Provings
Trials of Blood: Each year the best fighters in Orzammar meet for the Trials of Blood, a great tournament that crowns the kingdom's best and most popular fighter.
Honor/Glory Provings: The most typical proving in which combatants fight for the honor of a particular person, house, cause, or in order to settle a dispute.
"Memorial Provings": Held in the memory of a dwarf of high stature.
Celebratory Provings: A Proving held to celebrate an event. It is often in this type of Provings the victor to be rewarded with a ceremonial item, such as the Proving Helm.
Grand Provings: These are the most prestigious Provings but the circumstances under which they occur have not been fully revealed.
Unsanctioned Provings: In spite of the regulations regarding Provings, many unsanctioned matches occur in the arena. Such matches are forbidden by the Assembly as it flouts the will of the Ancestors. Members of younger warrior houses usually participate in them because they don't often get a chance to test themselves in the Provings. Unlike official matches, it is quite common the use of unorthodox tactics, such as the use of casteless from the Dust Town or mages from the surface. Furthermore, dirty fighting is also allowed.
Proving Officials
Proving Master: The Provings are arranged by, and presided over, by the Proving Master. The Proving Master sets the schedule of the fights and officiates over them. He holds the power to mete out justice amongst the Proving fighters, as the Proving Master can have those fighters who dishonor Provings jailed.
Proving Trainer: The lead trainer of the Provings, he trains warriors from lesser houses without their own trainers the art of dueling, as well as those promising fighters of the warrior caste.
Proving Armsmen: The Proving Armsmen provides arms and armor to fighters.
