Most of this pertains to feudal realms. Ivinia differ. But lets start here as Ivinia is surrounded by kingdoms adhgering to this practice .
When a clanhead dies or is removed from office, a succession council of adult clan members (sometimes just the men) convenes. Custom varies, but the whole clan, or the major part of it, generally gathers to mourn the deceased and elect a new clanhead. The succession council usually considers the known wishes of the departed, expressed in a will or testament. The deceased often has at least one vote that, if there is no will, is exercised by his or her spouse. In a clan that is no more than a nuclear family, the spouse or eldest child inherits by default. In some clans, women are excluded or treated with prejudice.
Because one of the clanhead’s children is usually elected, most often the eldest, a succession council may seem a hollow formality. Candidates may plead their claims, but sometimes the council elects a clan member who has not offered his or her candidature. Sometimes, the ideal is achieved and the most competent clan member is elected. While unofficial interference is not uncommon, clans are legally permitted to select their own leaders as they deem fit. Disputes that are not resolved within the clan are usually decided in feudal courts by the liege. A new clanhead must satisfy the liege before taking possession. This may amount to a veto on inheritance. In feudal realms, the heir must ceremonially swear homage and fealty (see also Heriot).
Inheriting minors often have their estates placed in the trust of their lord, while they themselves are made wards until they attain the age of 21. Widows may be treated similarly until they remarry. A liege will sometimes overwork ward estates to the verge of impoverishment; it is considered unseemly to then require payment of heriot.
Ivinia
The fundamental unit of Ivinian society is the extended, polygamous clan, which is the focus of virtually all economic and social activity. Clans vary in size and status. The clanhead is termed the valhakar (hövding). He is usually called by the clan name; for example, the valhakar of Clan Dagen will simply be called “The Dagen.” Regardless of how many settlements a clan holds, it has only one valhakar. Non-valhakars who govern a settlement for their clanhead are typically referred to as headmen.
The valhakar is assisted in government by the thrangaad, a council made up of all adult males with three or more wives. Smaller clans, of course, have no need for a thrangaad. The valhakar is usually elected for life by the clan council but any member of the thrangaad has the right to challenge for the leadership by combat. There are no other rules of succession; any clan member may be elected. Admission to the clan can be by birth or adoption; the latter is common. Under usual circumstances, only members of the thrangaad have a say in clan affairs, although a particularly strong valhakar may ignore even them. Other members of the clan must do as they are commanded or opt out of the clan; they may be adopted by another clan or become clanless.
The clan’s wealth is held in common and controlled by the valhakar and the thrangaad. Clansmen who leave the clan may attempt to claim a share but most assets are not easily portable.
Social stratification is relatively fluid in Ivinia. Personal status is derived from one’s clan and from one’s standing therein. The principal measure of respect is wealth and power.