The world of the present day is probably best imagined as a series of feudal holdings allied beneath a single ruler. The landscape of almost every nation has been devastated by warfare and the seats of power are now the technological enclaves that, through good luck, survived intact. Between these enclaves the terrain varies from nuclear desert wastelands to cities that are eerily intact but completely empty. Survivors and scavengers dwell in the wastelands, trying to live off the fruit of a dying planet, but the majority of people have fled to the protection of the cities.

The cities themselves are much as they were before the war, only worse. Technology remains high, electricity is reliable, and nanotechnology keeps food and water safe. However, overcrowding is out of control, the streets of most neighborhoods are full of refugees, violence is common, and only the military government is actually safe. Add to this cook pot a new breed of religious terrorism and you can see that life is anything but pleasant for citizens in these enclaves. Most men and women in good physical health sign up for the military as early as they possibly can just to get away to the relative safety of the raids on the enemy.

Nanotech Singularity Gateways are the chief method of long distance travel between these enclaves, although only the military governments are permitted access to this technology. Aircraft are another option, but radioactive storms are a large risk. Ground travel is for the very experienced wasteland traveler, the very brave, or the very foolish.