Monsters magically multiply?

[vitara]

Hi all - new player here, still learning the mechanics of this game (and enjoying it at the same time). Quick question - is it normal or buggy for the monsters you meet in combat to "magically" multiply, which would then swarm/surround you and kill you in a couple of turns? I experienced it with rats and larva and have now stopped going near any monsters altogether because there's no way I (as a level 2 archer without much arcane skills or strength stats) could beat any one of them, even with a pet next to me, let alone 3 or even 5 of them attacking us at close range at the same time!! I tried running but they still catch up with me.

Would this be fixed, or is how combat plays out in Balrum? Any suggestions?