The Flare

It is 1 year after a gigantic solar flare effectively ends all society as we know it. About 50% of the global population is dead. Every power grid, every network, every satellite, is worthless. The early days were pure chaos and anarchy. Now, America is comprised of small city states that govern themselves. All the gas is gone. The backbone of society is agriculture and trade. Horses, cows, mules, produce, textiles. States are formed along the rivers, and trade is dangerous. Bandits and raiders roam outside the walls of the cities, just waiting for a chance to get their hands on some resources. Some city-states have access to remade early 20th century technology like windmills and water wheels. The remaining national guard and military bases produce and ration ammunition at a high price. Life is hard, but simple.