Ignore Kain and very closely listen in on stuff. Only fight if totally necessary.
You decide to play it cool, act as though nothing was happening. You, in a fit of what must seem to an observer some sort of madness, reach over, grab the drink of the large, brutish man in the tri-corner hat-The one who's currently pointing a knife at your kidneys- and take a big gulp. [3] He is puzzled by this, and hesitates for a moment as he stares blankly at you. At that moment the robed man at the door begins to advance into the room.
Intimidate the drunks into submission, if that fails, Don't harm Ludwig and only kill the people holding weapons, leave one to three alive of course.
Keep Mahtan out of the fighting for his safety.
You march fowards imperiously, raising an eyebrow at these silly drunken louts. "What seems to be the problem here, gentlemen?" You say, folding your arms in disapproval. "Oh, I believe you should put those weapons down before somebody gets hurt... Most likely the people holding said weapons."
[4]Your words, and the sight of your armed soldiers, disperses a few of the less-hardened criminals. They flee out numerous conveniently-located back doors, much to the annoyance of the core group of thugs, the ones surrounding Ludwig at the bar.
Remain comically oblivious to the danger, and order an ale.
You, your head filled as always with numbers, calculations and thoughts of alchemical substances and their endless possibilities, simply head over to the bar to get a drink as Kain goes about his business.
[5] You take a seat amongst some rather rough-looking fellows, none of whom are looking in your direction, thankfully. You wave the bartender over, and after giving you an odd look he sets aside the large club he was carrying for some reason.
Perhaps it's for opening barrels? You push the thought aside. "Ale," You say simply, and the bemused bartender goes to grant your request.
[2] At that moment the lead criminal gets to his feet. His lank, greasy black hair hangs down to frame his grubby, broad face, which is that moment set in a derisive sneer as he looks from Ludwig over to Kain and his men.
Several of his comrades get to their feet also in support of their well-behatted leader, brandishing their various weapons.
"Th' King's men, innit? Wotcher think y' doin' in this part a' town?" He swaggers fowards a little and places his hands on his hips, giving a broad, slightly crooked grin.
(Perhaps he rehearsed this speech? Who knows.)
"Lost? We'll set y' back on y'way, won't we,
boys!!"
With that, his ragged band of [5] five thugs swarm fowards, [Ludwig:6] completely forgetting about Ludwig in the face of these new targets, but he is knocked from his seat and swept along in the press of bodies towards the entrance.
Kain has armour, (+1) an axe (+1) and three guards. (4/4hp) His opponent, Vahnker Hattel, has a dagger (+1) and his five disorderly companions. (6/6hp) [3+2 vs 2+1] Your men are not overly fit for this kind of work, being more suited to torturing the helpless rather than engaging in honourable combat, but their fear of you sees them hold their ground against the rabble. One of them makes a quick thrust with his blade, taking a poorly-armed opponent in the stomach and sending him screaming to the floor. Vahnker Hattel 5/6 hp
[6+2 vs 2+1] The violent denizens of the tavern (minus the bartender, who is still pouring Mahtan more ale) crash into your men, but their disorganized charge ends with another of them falling, blood running from a gash in his head. Vahnker Hattel 4/6 hp
6+2 vs 2+1(Damnit)] The violent brawl draws on, Kain's soldiers holding the advantage with the longer reach of their swords. Another thug, along with several pieces of the shoddy furniture, are broken in the process, much to the dismay of the bartender, who [4] nevertheless has a customer to attend to, and pours Mahtan another cup of ale. Vahnker Hattel 3/6 hp
[Mahtan:5] Mahtan's system has seemingly developed some resistance to poisonous substances over the years in his profession, and he shrugs off the effects of the local brew, bravely ordering another, seeming not to notice the chaos around him.
[Ludwig: 5] Ludwig manages to extract himself from the swirling melee, somehow still in one piece, and backs off out of range of the various clubs, swords and knives.
[4+2 vs 3+1] Vahnker 2/6 hp
The grim-faced Vahnker, taking a glancing blow to the shoulder, shouts a fearsome curse, eyes blazing with anger as another of his fellows falls to the tavern floor. Clutching at his shoulder, he roars: "Ah'll nah forget this, y' rat-humpin' bastard! Y've nah heard th' last a' Vahnker Hattel!"
With that, the hatted villain turns on his heel and, using his uninjured shoulder, barges his way out through a backdoor with a slam, leaving his last remaining ally to throw down the table-leg he had for a weapon and fall to the floor in surrender.
He can be heard running for his life down the alleyway outside, his heavy footsteps thumping over the cobbles.