[quote=EncryptedCrunchwrap]
I understand this RP will have tech limits, but then I think about the cities. Detroit is going to have a lot of abandoned equipment that is still viable. Will we eventually see low levels of tech development?
[/quote]

The point of the RP isn't to approach it from a technological advancement point of view, like how you may play Civilizaton or something. If anything, it's meant to to be taken from the point of view of something like CK2 if you must go in like a video game, not much tech emphasis. But it's there if you want it.

For that purposes, major urban centers are supposed to be the epitome of Hell on Earth. Even if most people left initially, the size, scale, and nature of big cities would bring in far more aggressive groups looking for a jungle-like hide-out or to get a hold of the wealth, then defend it mercilessly. So it's not really "abandoned".

And for people who'd need to pry it all apart to carry it back by land or sail it on cheap wooden boats, would it even be that advantageous to bring back machines that have long-shorted out? The most valuable parts you may be able to strip would be the metals to recycle.