Raval

General Information
Raval is divided into numerous principalities. While these are usually governed with a singular prince, there are some instances of a pair of brother princes. Princes need not be related although the position of power is often passed down or inherited. Assassinations and coups are possible in theory but seldom occur due to fear of retaliation from neighbouring principalities.

Raval is a patriarchal nation. Women have acted as consorts and concubines to various princes but have seldom became princesses themselves.

As far as how this could be successfully sustained, how this whole imploding self-destructive wheel stays in motion, the answer is -- relics. Raval is mostly arid rock and sandy expanse, but beneath the rock are buried relics. Raval princes whose territories are over rich relic deposits tend to be the most powerful and dangerous. Relics aren't well understood by the Raval, but certainly utilized, and the relics have shaped and demented their whole culture dramatically.

Some Raval Elves do keep slaves, and most likely a human woman would be miserable, though it'll depend greatly on what territory she found herself in. It is so chaotic and each prince has complete control over how he governs, that in some places things will be night and day compared to a few miles north or south.

Generally speaking, though, most princes are terribly corrupt, cruel, and delusional. To the point that some people down in the trenches believe that relics themselves make people cruel and insane!

Prince Vornand's territory is almost barren, he's long since killed the denizens of his realm. He lives in a hollow fortress and is one of the most terrifying princes in Raval, all due to his collection of unique and powerful relics.

Prince Sannor is considered one of the nicest Raval princes; his people are fed and protected. Mild-mannered and even his nemesis (think of them as mostly female relic-wielding devout servants/wives to princes that most of them have) legitimately like him.

There are some humans in the elven nation of Raval, mostly brought in as slaves or absorbed in some other way that was probably despite them, or born to the aforementioned humans.

Relations with other elven Countries
Raval is currently at war with Lior, there has been a split between the two nations in recent years, Raval trying to squash out what they view as essentially an insurgence from the Liorians. They refuse to acknowledge Lior as an independent nation.

As for Gha'alians, Raval is not allies with them, the former is considered enemy.

The Culture and Society of Raval
Hailing from the same bloodlines and connections as Lior, the people of Raval have some similarities in terms of fashion and politics. The differences lie in the changes in climate. Raval is warm and their clothing tend towards being sparse, bordering a lack of which. This is balanced out with generous amounts of jewellery for accessories.

The People of Raval
Raval are known to be extremely aggressive and ruthless, more so than even the Gha'alians are. They are known for their cruelty. Their hair and eyes tend to come in a variety of colors and shades, compared to those of the Gha'alians.

The Relics of Raval
As for the relics, there was a mysterious ancient civilization long ago buried underneath their land that had strange and unusual technology they don't quite understand. Technology that does wondrous but terrible things of which they are taking advantage amidst their attempts to rule the world.