- Lake Lofall (The Falls) - The original Community, largest and Farthest To The North
- Victoria - A small community in the North, rumored to be led by Religious zealots.
- Centuria - The Community that safely bridges the North and South, it lays slightly to the East.
- Cathedral City - A mostly defunct Community to the far West, only a handful of people remain living there.
- Anneville - Small Community to the South East that contains several acres of barely functioning greenhouses.
- Los Lobos - Mid-sized community, not much is known about them, as well as Farthest South.
While the communities were built to sustain normal living long after the end of the world, they are not as great as they claim to be. There are as many faults in the system as there are good things. They've grown large enough in most cases that food shortages have become common. Even with constant trade between the communities as well as the Hunters that leave the safety of its walls daily to bring in more. In a perfect world, the hunters would be a moot point altogether. But here, whether they come back with enough to keep the general populace fed is the difference between starvation and staying alive.
The Hierarchy in these communities highly depends on who is most valued. In The North, that's usually the Hunters and the people who handle communications between the communities. Being the most valued citizens affords them better amenities and supplies. The lower on the food chain you are, the harsher the life you will live. In The Falls, there are many people currently living in starvation and poor conditions due to the recent shortages. However, these people aren't often seen because they are usually the first to 'disappear.'
Law enforcement in the Communities is thin, and underdeveloped. Most of the current laws existing to punish things such as thievery and assault, and not much else. Most 'Officers' patrol in order to ensure that nobody is trying to leave the Community.While most Officials claim that it's safer within the walls, it's often suspicious how nobody is allowed out.
Communication and Transportation between the Communities is rough and often dangerous. There is a lack of technology these days that makes Communication by any other means than word of mouth and letters almost impossible. There are authorized citizens who often travel between the communities by way of dog-sled in order to receive news, correspondence and participate in trading with other Communities. Since there are no motorized vehicles that have not been ruined by the freeze, going on foot is the only other way to get anywhere without a team of dogs.
The Architecture within the Communities is dismal, but developed beyond the former system of pitching tents and hoping the frequent blizzards didn't kill anyone in their sleep. Almost everything these days are made of wood, or parts scavenged from larger cities. Houses are small, and more hut-like than anything. But serve a purpose all the same. Larger buildings are often better built and undergo more frequent repairs than the housing. Such as the school buildings, and other buildings with a social function.
Speaking of Education, gone are the days of common core in place of days dedicated to preparing children for the possibility of another freeze and how to survive it. While classes do cover a thin bit of the general learnings - English/literature, maths, and history. There is no call for higher learning in these subjects, and most kids undergo classes structures around self-defense and survival. Unfortunately, unless you happen to apprentice under a Hunter, there won't be classes on learning to hunt, track, or prepare animals for eating.
Apprenticeship is the stand in for College here. People who want to go into a specific type of work will apply to Apprentice under someone who currently holds that position. This applies to the limited medical field, Hunters, and even people who run shops in the marketplace. There are a dozen jobs always at hand, and as soon as kids finish schooling they generally go into working for the Community. Whether it be through an apprenticeship or into other general work.
In most cases going outside the Communities without proper supplies would lead to a certain death. While this is particularly true in the North, where the snow is heavy and ice makes injury twice as likely, it is not quite so true to the South. Where temperatures have begun to regulate a bit. Still extremely snowy, but with warmer days and less chance of being buried alive in snow overnight. While most of the world is covered in sheets of ice and snow, large cities and towns still stand. Albeit, as hollowed out shells. Extremely dangerous as the wilds have reclaimed everything within.
The first freeze led to plant life and animals dying out at a rapid pace. Leading to mass starvation and the eventually, evolution of most species to accommodate the new world. Prey animals have adapted better senses, mostly sense of smell and hearing, and thicker coats. Animals that formerly had very little fur have evolved thicker skin as to limit the chances of dying out with the cold.
Predators have also evolved to be capable of catching said prey, as well as to survive the colds. Sharper, larger teeth and claws. As well as thicker fur and skin to regulate internal temperatures. Their senses heightened for tracking, even during snowstorms.
In other cases, such as that of domesticated animals. Very few have survived, dogs, for example, have been bred out with wolves; and while this increases their volatile natures it also provides then with extra strength and better-adapted senses. Most dogs these days are used for hunting and mass transportation. However, the cross breeding has limited both species. It's extremely rare to find a purebred dog these days.