The Divergence

Background
The beginning of the current age is measured from The Divergence, a cataclysmic event that occured approximately 1400 years ago. Very little is known about the event as much of the world was thrown into an age of darkness immediately afterwards.

What has been acertained is that the lifespans of once longlived races have been severly shortened. Elves now only live to see perhaps 400 years, dwarves and halflings maybe 250. Humans, orcs and other races seem to have been unaffected.

Additionally, it is believed that the power of magic has been reduced since The Divergence, evidenced by the accounts of powerful mages from ages past who controlled powers now unimaginable.

Time
Time is now measured based on this event, with eveything pre-divergence being labelled BD, and everything since AD. The current year is 1422AD.