I mean, IF true.. wouldn't that actually make sense?

You're a lonely wandering monster/outlaw... you have two options:

1. Spot a wandering hero loaded with weapons and magically spawned creatures and decide, yeah, fuck it, it's a good day to die.

or

2. Nice fat juicy, unarmed, un-escorted caravan/settler full of nice juicy crunchy civilians, dinner time!

Which would you choose?  Intentionally or not, it's something they got right!  

Imho it's because monsters can only spawn in forests, and outside your zone of influence. Your trade caravans are simply the most likely to be at a position close to a forest outside your zone of influence.

But it's also, of course, that weak monsters don't attack strong groups. They even send you messages saying you're too strong for them, if you know what to look for.

The Earth spells, raise land, lower land and Greater raise land can be used to turn water into land, so you can make land bridges, you can create mountains or make paths through mountains.  I use it all the time.  I created a land bridge to take an army to the north of an enemy and then used it to raise and lower mountains to create choke points.  You can only use the spells in neutral or your own territory, you cant cast it in another's territory.  I don't think you can use it to create a water tile, but I would like that ability in the future, Stardock! 

No shit?  Well God damn!  I need to actually start reading these spell discriptions.  I'm going to have soooo much fun with that.

Works pretty well for me.  Haveto use a few of them usually.  Actually, don't think I have ever gotten any use out of cast any of these spells just once, its usually a big effort.  But, shit, making and destroying mountains or creating land bridges should be.  Have to make things level to make it work, takes some practice and multiple casting.

Animals never send messages and these are the ones that spawn because of an opportunity to attack a weak unit. Barbarians usually send messages, but i haven't noticed them spawning because of a weak unit. Spiders seem to be the main culprit then wolves then bears.

Those land spells look good! Now i have a reason to start building arcane technology research buildings!!