Skorri halts in his tracks the moment the fell hound pads into view. His mind races with all the horrible tales he knows about ghost hounds and cursed dogs, told to frighten children into returning home before nightfall; and a long-suppressed memory of one of his uncle's dogs turning on him as child flashes in his mind's eye.

"By the gods, the old mothers' tales are true," he mutters around chattering teeth. Shakily raising his shield, he starts a battle chant that is somewhat spoiled by the quavering of his voice, but he feels his courage return slightly nonetheless...

"Stand aside, accursed hound;
A warrior's heart will give no ground!"

Spoiler: Actions
Show
Move action: ready shield.

Standard action: start Inspired Rage: allies gain a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC. While under the effects of inspired rage, allies other than the skald cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration.

Conditions:
Shaken: –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Inspired Rage: +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, –1 penalty to AC.
Skald's Vigor: Fast healing 1