Batok: The Loom’s Rite of Awakening

Awakening into the Loom System is neither a birthright nor a privilege granted by chance—it is an earned communion with the World Threads, made possible only through the sacred Batok Chambers and the Needle of the Weave. The Needles, however, are not mere artifacts. They are the fruit of the legendary World Loom Tree, a towering entity nourished by the World Threads themselves, standing as the beating heart of Auralis.

These Needles of the Weave are neither created nor replicated. They emerge naturally, growing like crystalline spindles along the branches of the World Loom Tree, absorbing the essence of the Threads over time. When fully matured, they detach on their own, floating weightlessly around the tree, awaiting their destined use. No force, no tool, no amount of magic or will can harvest them prematurely—should one attempt to pluck an unripe Needle, it would retaliate, piercing through flesh, dissolving into a stream of untouchable light, forever lost.

Because of their rarity and sacred nature, the Needles are strictly protected by global organizations—no nation, kingdom, or faction dares to hoard them for themselves, lest they face the wrath of the world. Their regulation ensures a balance of power, keeping civilizations in check and preventing monopolization of the Loom System. This also facilitates global cooperation, as nations and organizations partake in shared milestones and oversee the fair distribution of Awakening opportunities.

With each Needle that falls from the World Loom Tree, a new Awakening is granted. When inserted into the central altar of a Batok Chamber, the Needle activates the sacred space, beginning the ritual that binds an individual to the Loom.

When the Resonance Surge shook the foundations of Auralis thousands of years ago, it did more than shatter the ancient seals of the Pyramids—it awakened the latent threads within every being, embedding within them a fragment of the world's grand tapestry. However, these threads remained unlinked, like stray fibers disconnected from the larger weave of existence.

Every individual carries within them an Unlinked Thread, a dormant potential bound within their soul, waiting for the moment it will be woven into the World Threads through the Rite of Batok.

Until one undergoes the Awakening Ritual, their Unlinked Thread is powerless, unable to manifest any abilities or connect to the Loom System. Only those who enter a Batok Chamber and undergo the sacred process can link their thread, binding it to the greater Loom and unlocking their true power.

This is why the Needle of the Weave is so revered—it is the key that stitches an individual into the living fabric of Auralis, allowing them to harness the energies that govern the world itself.

The Three Phases of Batok

1. Pagtawag sa Habi (Calling the Weave)The Chamber Responds

The initiate steps into the Batok Chamber, a hollowed sanctum of ancient design, its walls woven with glistening strands of dormant threads. Some whisper, others hum in the presence of those who enter.

An Arcane Loom Weaver—one tasked with overseeing Awakenings—carefully retrieves a Needle of the Weave, holding it with the utmost reverence before inserting it into the central altar.

The moment the Needle touches the altar, the chamber awakens. Threads slither from the walls, stretching outward like strands of an invisible loom, surrounding the initiate.

If the initiate is truly meant to weave, the chamber resonates with their being, its threads binding around them in acknowledgment. If they are unworthy, the threads recoil, leaving them untouched—the chamber remains silent, rejecting them.

2. Hiraya ng Sugpungan (The Vision of Convergence)

A Test of Soul and Thread

If the initiate is accepted, the Loom System draws them into the Resonance Veil, a space between reality and the unseen tapestry of Auralis.

Here, they are tested—not through physical might, but through the weight of their own essence.

The trials vary, shaped by their innermost self:A battle against shadows of their past, forcing them to reconcile with their fears.A confrontation with mirrored versions of who they could become, demanding a choice of identity.

A test of resolve and endurance, walking across unraveling threads where hesitation leads to the abyss.

There is no clear metric for success—the Loom System does not seek perfection, only potential. Those who falter are cast out, given another chance only if the threads deem them worthy in the future.

3. Pagtatahi ng Unang Sinulid (Weaving the First Thread)

The Paths of the Loom

As the initiate proves their worth in the Resonance Veil, the Batok Chamber transitions to the final phase—the binding of their Unlinked Thread to the World Threads.

Inside the chamber, the initiate's body becomes a canvas for the sacred batok markings, glowing with ethereal light. These markings are not limitations but revelations, signifying the depth of their talent, the intricacies of their connection to the Loom, and the latent potential waiting to be unraveled.

The Marking Categories

Each initiate's markings manifest uniquely, but they generally fall into four broad significance tiers:

1. Hablón (Simple Weave) – Minimalist designs featuring clean, straight lines, simple strokes, and geometric shapes.

Represents clarity and precision, often seen in those with focused affinities.Indicates early mastery in a specific domain but does not restrict future growth.

Examples:

Linya ng Panday (Smith's Line) – A natural aptitude for forging and reinforcement weaving.

Guhit ng Bighani (Charm's Stroke) – A subtle inclination toward emotional resonance weaving.

2. Hinabi (Patterned Weave) – Interwoven designs reminiscent of woven textiles, appearing as intricate bands and flowing curves.

Represents versatility and adaptability, signifying an ability to blend multiple techniques.These individuals are natural innovators, able to weave different disciplines into seamless forms.

Examples:

Sumpa ng Uway (Curse of the Rattan) – A talent for constriction weaving and entanglement techniques.

Habing Kidlat (Lightning Weave) – An inherent ability to manipulate speed and force through energy threads.

3. Gatla (Runic Weave) – Combinations of baybayin-inspired glyphs and woven patterns, forming elaborate sigils.

Represents depth and intricacy, signifying those whose Loom affinity allows them to tap into profound, layered abilities.Indicates a natural connection to hidden aspects of weaving, such as unseen threads, echoes, or dimensional rifts.

Examples:

Guhit ng Daluyong (Wave's Crest) – A resonance with movement-based weaving and fluid energy manipulation.

Alon ng Gunita (Echo of Memory) – An innate ability to leave lingering energy threads, activating them later for strategic use.

Banaag (Radiant Weave) – The rarest markings, forming living, shifting designs that seem to pulse with unseen energy.

Represents vast potential, signifying an exceptional connection to the World Threads.

These markings indicate a boundless capacity for growth, but those who bear them must work hard to fully control their power.

Examples:

Hibla ng Dilim at Liwanag (Thread of Shadow and Light) – A natural ability to weave contrasting forces together.

Sulsi ng Tadhana (Stitch of Fate) – A rare talent allowing one to influence probability-based weaving.

The Batok Chamber does not assign a fixed fate—rather, it reveals an initiate's natural strengths and resonance within the Loom System. These markings do not restrict the initiate's future growth but instead serve as a guiding thread, illuminating what comes naturally to them.

Some initiates may start with simple markings but later develop astonishing techniques, while others with intricate markings may struggle to unlock their full potential. In the end, true mastery depends not on the marking itself but on the weaver's will, effort, and understanding of their own path.

Once the initiate makes their choice, the Needle of the Weave burns the mark into their skin, permanently linking them to the World Threads. Their Unlinked Thread is finally woven into the Loom, marking the completion of their Awakening.

From this moment forward, they are no longer just a wanderer within the fabric of existence—they are a Weaver, bound to the ever-shifting tapestry of Auralis.

For those who have not secured an official Awakening Ritual, a path remains open—the Rite of the Mambabatok.

This temporary awakening allows individuals to wield the Loom's power, but only within the limits of F-rank weaving.

It serves as both an opportunity and a test, granting them a chance to prove their worth in the merit rankings.

The Purpose of the Temporary Awakening

Every year, graduates who have not yet awakened undergo the Mambabatok's Marking so they can compete for a full Awakening.

A merit-based system ranks all individuals—students, warriors, scholars, and artisans alike—based on their contributions, skill, and mastery over the Loom's fundamentals.Only the top individuals, corresponding to the number of Needles of the Weave available, are granted an official Awakening Ritual.

However, not all awakeners come from the merit rankings—some receive rejected slots, either because a higher-ranked candidate failed the Batok Chamber's trial or because certain global organizations distribute their own reserved awakenings.

The Process of Temporary Awakening

The Marking Ritual

Those undergoing the temporary awakening are led into a ceremonial hall where the Mambabatok, revered masters of the Loom's ancient traditions, inscribe their marks.

Unlike the permanent Batok Chamber, which uses the Needle of the Weave, the Mambabatok utilize ethereal ink derived from fragmented World Threads.This ink forges a temporary connection to the Loom System, allowing the recipient to access basic weaving techniques.

The Restrictions of the Mambabatok's Mark

The mark limits the recipient's power to F-rank weaving, ensuring they do not surpass the lowest tier of awakeners.

While active, it allows them to train, fight, and develop their Loom-based abilities, but they cannot progress beyond their first thread.The mark fades at the end of the merit cycle—if the individual fails to secure a proper Awakening, they must wait for the next opportunity.

The Race for True Awakening

Those with the temporary mark enter a year-long merit-based competition to prove they are worthy of a true Awakening. They are ranked based on skill, creativity, achievements, and contributions to society.