On The Elements, Chapter 4 (Patreon)

On the Elements, Chapter 4

The heavens grew eyes to behold the true beauty of the world below, but humans already have eyes to begin with. So, what is it they see when they look at the world not with their eyes, but their vision? You're very smart. Can you figure out what the answer is?

-Buer, Dendro Archon

There is, perhaps, no better Archon that exemplifies the dichotomy between the human and the divine better than Buer. Physically, Buer is a human child of no more than five or six years of age, though with a rather unusual appearance. She’s been called elfin by some, and the idea of a mystical forest fae is not an incorrect one. 

Out of all the Archons, she perhaps shares her own mind the most freely, especially at the Baghdad House of Wisdom, where she is known to teach several highly sought-after classes, of which I have had the honor of attending several. And of course, I can claim special insight to the mind of Buer because of my own Vision: I was gifted a Dendro Vision in the very early days of her arrival, before even who Buer truly was could be known. 

As such, I can most clearly elucidate what the requirements for obtaining a Dendro Vision are, as I myself have heard the voice of the Hopebringer. 

• A love of learning and knowledge. 

Buer is the Djinn of Wisdom, though others would call her the God or Angel of Wisdom depending on your theological interpretation of the Archons, a subject this text will not seek to delve into. It should come as no surprise then that Buer’s mind is a curious and sharp instrument, and that she seeks out learning and new wisdom at every opportunity. A large number of academics, myself included, are among those who have received Dendro Visions.

Higher education, however, is not required. The curiosity of a child and a love of learning is what is truly demanded of a Dendro Vision Holder. Even an illiterate who has never attended a day of school in their life, but desperately seeks to learn new things, will qualify. There are more than a few examples of elders and shamans of far off and isolated tribes who cared deeply about the lore and history of their own people, and importantly, passing it on to others, and for their driving ambition to do so received a Dendro Vision. 

• Self Sacrifice and Altruism. 

It is now well known that Buer views her own life and powers as meager and of little worth, an ironic viewpoint when globally, she is the most beloved of all Archons for the fact that she is a living shield against the Simurgh, and has reduced global hunger and poverty more than any individual in history through her actions, and the actions of her dragon. There is a standing order on the books of not just the Protectorate, but nearly every reputable cape organization, that if Buer should ever call, we will come.  Damn the consequences to ourselves or our nations. Indeed, even if Buer did not call, I know that myself and every member of the Protectorate would be willing to lay down their lives to preserve Buer’s. 

But her willingness to sacrifice her own needs and desires for others is present in her every action. To her, every life is precious, to the point that she has stamped out the Death Penalty in the Middle East, where it was once more prevalent than any other region on Earth. This is despite the fact that over and over again, things would have been far simpler and easier for her if she’d just killed some of her foes, especially Saddam Hussein. 

But she has not, and Buer continues to strive daily to do all she can for not just the people of Iraq, but for all mankind. She has repeatedly given up everything she has to help others, no matter how dangerous to herself the act is. This drive to always give of oneself in a sacrificial matter is perhaps the key to understanding the Dendro Vision Holder more than any other. I have always considered myself a very selfish person, but when those around me were asked, they have universally said I was one of the most kind and giving of those they knew. It is a hard concept for me to swallow, and I think the same could be said of Buer herself. 

• Captivity

This is a hard one for myself to admit, but in speaking with other Vision Holders and after reviewing extensive data, it cannot be denied: Dendro Vision Holders universally in some way feel trapped and imprisoned. For some, it is an oppressive regime, such as Dr. Bashir Saeed, Buer’s own adoptive father. For others, it might be literal imprisonment, or a more metaphorical prison, such as a self-imposed task or a relationship they feel trapped by. 

What Buer’s current prison is, I cannot say. It is known from her stories that in the land of Teyvat, she was taken captive and held as prisoner by those she refers to as Sages for hundreds of years. And to this day, most Dendro Vision Holders will admit that they too feel as though they are or had been imprisoned, somehow. Many use their Visions to break free of their prisons; others, of which I am unfortunately among, simply use their Vision to further reinforce the bars of their own cages. 

With this in mind, it is possible to draw a picture, then, of what the Dendro Vision holder is. rom that, we can use it to create a guide as to better understand how their powers can, and perhaps should,be used…