This used to be a problem with low ranked NPC quest givers like Jamil and associates.
I also recall some swift demises at the hands of Robin when trying to give him rat boxes.
All the quest givers in town were changed to nofight zones to help control the spate of fatalities.
I had not heard of the Sage inflicting punishments for bad behaviour before. However, he is now nofight as well.
And on behalf of the person who tried to take on the Clan Master and his Peacie friend, that room is also now a nofight zone.