Frank frowned and rubbed his chin as he watched the proceedings. No one else from the group seemed to be acting so it looked like he might have to risk putting himself forward, scars or no. He was torn. On one hand, he wanted an excuse to improve his needlework (both kinds) and there was no better place for that than during and immediately after a battle. But on the other hand, having these farmers in his debt would be useful to everyone. Good strong bodies, fine specimens. He was sure at least some call for his services if they knew him, and he could take his cuts later, if things were settled peaceably today. Looked at it in one way, this situation was a win-win for Frank. Still, he tried to think of any way to make a win-win-win. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too, to somehow have a fight break out, but still keep everyone alive and happy, or at least willing to pay afterwards.
As Frank thought, the indignant mutterings from the farmers grew louder, a timer ticking down to blood. It'd be a lot less volatile if this was more one-on-one...wait, that was a possibility! It was a gamble, but Frank lived and killed on the odds of the world. On the bright side, if this the whole situation went rotten he'd still have his win-win. Gathering his courage, he stepped forward, spreading his arms and showing his best friendly smile to the on-edge assembly.
"Gentlemen, milord! I believe I may have a solution to our problem!" he said loudly, and waited until expectant, somewhat shocked eyes were on him. "Milord claims he paid you fairly, farmers, but you say he hasn't. He, as our client, wishes you to pay, but also wishes the fields remain unburnt. That's where we come in," the tattered mercenary said, waving at their group.
"We were hired to settle this dispute, but as yet, no one has brought any proof to the table besides their words. Therefore, to avoid both burnt fields and dead farmers, I propose we leave this matter to god, in the traditional way: a contest of single combat!"
Frank wasn't big on belief himself, but rather saw the gods as just another tool in his operations. "Each side chooses a champion, and whichever one wins will be shown by divine providence to have been in the right. God smiles on the honest and worthy, don't you agree?" he said, nodding. "As the accused, you farmers can of course request the contest be changed as you see fit. Maybe you'd prefer the fight be bare-fisted, or you wish to choose which champion Zed sends forth from among us? These details can be decided once both sides accept."
"Of course," he allowed with a bow, "if anyone of you farmers DOES have concrete proof of wrongdoing, bring it forward at once, and we can begin an...investigation. Surely we would discover the villains," Frank said with a smile at Zed. "What say you, Zed? What say you, farmers?"
(OOC- Apologies if this is too long/forward/off the rails, let me know if it should be altered or removed. This is still my first time doing this.)