A devastating epidemic due to the revenge of the Maeroero - creatures traditionally believed to have inhabited the hills and forests before the first waka arrived in New Zealand, has killed most of the population. Shadow Waters is a continuation of the survivors' struggle against the demons and fearful creatures that have taken over the landscape. Everything is broken down to elements, myths, and a kind of Wild West. Like The Lord of the Rings the quest aspect of Shadow Waters is strong, sharing an episodic structure, a great many fights and an assortment of dead bodies.