After the government launched a nuke that wiped out most life the four horsemen have been chosen by some unknown being based on their pasts.
Small settlements have been created by ordinary people and most major businesses have been destroyed along with most of the government. The soil and water is irradiated and 90% of what's left is unable to be farmed without side effects. Bandit clans have been created to have a bit of fun while the laws no longer exists but the most dangerous bandit clan are called "the reapers" they were one of the first clans and most people think that they were just a bunch of drunks and drug users. Multiple species of mutated animals have been popping up around the United States such as large rats, giant birds and goliath spiders. A select few people believe that the apocalypse was caused by some great divine being and cults have been created to worship it. Most believe that hope is lost despite safe settlements and more vast weaponry.