Hail All,
On the subjest of being dark elf bards, I met a GM troll in beta that shared
that feeling that evil races should have bards, but alas it is not to be.
What you can do, when you get to lower guk is get yourself a Mask of the
Deceiver. This is another bard/rogue equipable items that casts an illusion
of dark elf race on you. It also is +9 to charisma I believe, can't remember
the exact stats. Alot of the higher level barbarians want these since they
also reduce your size which can be life saving in Sol. They can't equip it
but they can use the spell on it. It also allows some race/classes to enter
the evil cities. I haven't played with one myself yet, they are no drop/no
trades, but I know several people who have them.
As far as halflings go, I am sorry but I avoid Rivervale when possible. The
residents are always trying to steal my purse or pinch me or both! And the
music in Rivervale, argh! Give me HighHold any time, I'll take my chances
with the Mucktails. ;)

Brilinnia Ban'Sidhe
Xegony