Awakening is like gems/orbs and refining - it allows you to boost the stats on selected items (IN ADDITION to whatever you do with gems and refining).
At the moment you can ONLY use this system on Weapons/Armours and Helmets, and ONLY those that do NOT say "Can't Awaken" in the item stat window.
BE WARNED - THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF BREAKING THE ITEM WHEN USING THIS FEATURE (as in refining or using gems)
There are 6 types of Awakening:
1. Bravery (+DC)
2. Magic (+MC)
3. Soul (+SC)
4. Body (+HP/MP)
5. Protection (+AC)
6. EvilSlayer (+MAC)
Each of the above has its own Glyph types and must always be used in conjunction with another Glyph type called "AwakeningSoul"
Bravery, Magic and Soul Glyphs can be used on Weapons only
Body Glyphs can be used on Armours only
Protection and EvilSlayer Glyphs can be used on Helmets only
A further point to note is that you will need to use the correct LEVEL of Glyphs for your item.
There are 4 levels of items (5 if we count "unclassified").
Common Level 0
Rare Level 1
Legendary Level 2
Mythical Level 3
You will see an increasing number of items being assigned these levels; rare items have blue titles, legendary orange and mythical purple, but AGAIN if it says "Can't Awaken" in the stats window it doesn't matter WHAT colour it is.
For instance you may see Rings or Necklaces classed as "Rare" (with blue titles), but they cannot use the Awakening system.
Common items need level 0 glyphs, eg MagicGlyph0 and AwakeningSoul0;
Rare items need level 1 glyphs, eg SoulGlyph1 and AwakeningSoul1
Legendary items need level 2 glyphs, eg BodyGlyph2 and AwakeningSoul2
Mythical items need level 3 glyphs, eg ProtectionGlyph3 and AwakeningSoul3
If you dare to attempt multiple awakenings on the same item, you will notice that the number of glyphs required increases each time. Each attempt also requires a sum of gold.
To use the system, click on the Awakening NPC and then "Awaken". A window opens and you place the item in the top box (the "Anvil"). You are then informed how many of each Glyph is needed (and how much it costs). Put the appropriate number of glyphs in the lower materials boxes and press "Awaken". A cool little animation then shows a sword being hammered on an anvil and the Awakening either succeeds (item back in bag) or fails (item NOT in bag or anywhere else for that matter).
So - first get your glyphs and an item you can use them on and give it a go. Good luck!