I could tell straight away hu was a total nut case. That is despite hu being one of the most successful people in the department and the department's cash cow. I can tell though hu's not well liked, which is hardly surprising given hus personality.
Hmm, successful, tenured, "cash cow" but not well-liked in the department. Proceed cautiously, but there's no reason at all to get sucked into his or her world. Be pleasant. Poke your head in Dr. Nut Case's office periodically to say hello but don't sit down and always have a ready excuse (student meeting, doctor's appointment, have to feed the cat).
If, and when, Dr. Nut Case and Dr. Whiny invite you for a drink, invite someone else along. State right from the start you can only stay for one drink and ask the server to bring the bill with the drink. Once the gossiping and griping begins, gently try to change the subject. If that doesn't work, then say, "I've really enjoyed this, but I've got to let the gods out."
As a junior faculty member, I sympathize, but I also think you are giving Dr. Nut and Dr. Whiny more power than they deserve.
