[quote=@praxitilies]
Is there any semblance of civilization in the midwest?

Like, is the entire heart of the US just Mad Max meets The Mist, or are there now monster/demon cities with their own laws and culture?
[/quote]

There [i]are[/i] still towns and cities throughout the Shattered Scar, but they're under loose control of the Blackthorn Coven and must make regular sacrifices to them. It's a bleak and miserable existance.