Shattered Kingdoms

My suggestion for bard race is either half-elf or sprite. Either way, start maxing cha really soon, since it affects both your leveling and the effect of your songs.

Loli/shota complexes aside, this is somewhat true. Halflings are in the second-highest tier for average stat cap, average saves cap, minimum stat, and are strong against magic (which reliably can be expected outside of front row) and blunt damage (which reliably can be avoided outside of front row.) They are a solid choice for anything that has MAD and can avoid front row combat, which means any class worth playing.

Of course, the most interesting benefits of playing a bard can be won by playing in a tribunal.