“The Devious Shape Changer”
The Forest Taniwha was by the far the most numerous of the Watcher transformations. They relied on wooden skin for protection, but would also develop stone-like features that did not impede their movement. Like Water Taniwha, they were also dangerous in waterways, and continued developing Earth Magic at a time when the others stopped. They were also masters of shape-changing, and could assume any number of appearances for a time. Some even infiltrated the Māori population using this arcane trickery.
The were dominant during both Taniwha Wars, and even produced the most powerful Taniwha in the form of Wai-makariri, and are rumoured to walk amongst the unsuspecting people even today.​