The paladin level was first for a variety of reasons, as was the decision to use paladin of freedom.
The two feats I have listed for first level both require a base attack bonus of +1. That means that a bard can't take them at first level. That means they would need to be taken at 3rd and 6th to qualify for the prestige class at 7th. The OP said he wanted leadership at 6th.
I guess
1. Bard
2. Paladin
3. Paladin
4. Paladin
5. Fighter
6. Fighter
... warchanter
or something could work.
The other reason I went with paladin of freedom was that warchanter also requires chaotic alignment and is not explicitly called out by devoted performer.
The two feats I have listed for first level both require a base attack bonus of +1. That means that a bard can't take them at first level. That means they would need to be taken at 3rd and 6th to qualify for the prestige class at 7th. The OP said he wanted leadership at 6th.
I guess
1. Bard
2. Paladin
3. Paladin
4. Paladin
5. Fighter
6. Fighter
... warchanter
or something could work.
The other reason I went with paladin of freedom was that warchanter also requires chaotic alignment and is not explicitly called out by devoted performer.