The Melding

The Melding was the Great event which occured in the year 725 of the Imperial Calendar. Its exact nature is unknown but to the wisest of scholars, though its effects are undisputed. After the Melding, the face of the world changed forever. Magic , something rarely seen before, became a dominant force, and those who can wield it, suddenly gained enormous power. However, monsters have also started appearing in the world, directly after the event.

Scientific Explanation

Scholars believe that the Melding occured when a parallel dimension wandered closer to our reality, and with it, both realities were altered by the influence of the other. This was observed in a material way as well. During days prior to the event, many reported the moons to be increasingly larger in the sky, on the day itself, there appeared to be a phenomenon akin to the Northern lights, which seemed to radiate from the moons. during the Melding's climax an unusually large meteor shower occured.
The Melding resulted in the spawning of creatures which did not exist on this world before, as well as a stronger sense of magic, which now runs rampant in places.

Religious Significance

Clergymen of the Cantraian Church, believe the Melding to be an ill omen, the start of an age where man will be corrupted by Devils and otherworldly tricksters. This is very much due to the fact that they believe magic to be the work of said Devils, manufactured as a way to tempt mankind into forsaking the Gods. As such, the use of Magic and Witchcraft is heavily persecuted by the Church, a practice which was pursued even before the Melding.
The faithful of the Old Religions, often see the Melding in a different light. Their views on magic is often more lenient, though this does not apply to all. The Elves believe the Melding to be a manifestation of the Elvish Elder Spirits. They view the Melding as a phenomenon which will bring our world closer to the realm of the Spirits, which would bring us closer to an ascended state of existence.