Demon invasion.

Neutrals are random, yes. It's especially great when high-level gnomes spawn and block the paths to the castle. I even decided that it's better to reload for the sake of the surface neutrals than for Sigrif's spells. I didn't touch the wolves; I only cleared the mine and a one-way portal. I bought wood; luckily, there are many markets.

Manticoras are definitely the regular ones there; some mod must be changing them.