What makes Hawkeye? In other words, what differentiates Hawkeye from other arrow-shooting characters? IMHO, it's his gadget arrows. On the other hand, Green Arrow is the pure archer with trick shot. I know you discussed this in your article, but that's why I disagree.
I think your build of Hawkeye should discuss the best ways to get the gadget arrows: arcane archer, ranger trapper, alchemist grenadier, etc. Then, build the best archer with feats from that selection.
Starting from the archer build arrives at Green Arrow.
cheers
What makes Hawkeye? In other words, what differentiates Hawkeye from other arrow-shooting characters? IMHO, it's his gadget arrows. On the other hand, Green Arrow is the pure archer with trick shot. I know you discussed this in your article, but that's why I disagree.
I think your build of Hawkeye should discuss the best ways to get the gadget arrows: arcane archer, ranger trapper, alchemist grenadier, etc. Then, build the best archer with feats from that selection.
Starting from the archer build arrives at Green Arrow.
cheers
Really? I would say green arrow is just as gadgety as hawkeye. He has all sorts of trick arrows from nets, to boxing gloves, to explosive arrows etc. I mean i havent looked at any of his comics in a while, but I always remember him being sort of like batman with a bow.
That said, the best way to achieve this (in my opinion) is to go with the super genius game Archer Archetype the Alchemical Archer.
It allows the creation and use of 'Extraordinary ammunition'. Which includes bolas, injectors (to inject poisons or potions), grappling (like a grappling hook but on the ammunition), and most importantly, alchemical ammunition, which allows various alchemical weapons to be included as part of the ammunition. With the variety of alchemical items available after Ultimate Equipment, it really makes for a heck of a set of options for gadgety archer types.
Really. Green Arrow may have gone through cycles of using gadget arrows or not. My obvious preference was for Mike Grell's Longbow Hunters sans gadgets.
However, I believe Hawkeye has always run with gadget arrows. It's the only way he can stay in the league of Avengers.
Hawkeye is certainly more than just a "trick arrow" guy, at least as he's developed over the years.
To wit, ever since the days of his solo series (half series, anyway; in the pages of Solo Avengers under Mark Gruenwald), he's been just as skilled with throwing objects as he is an archer. This is a trait that has been used a lot in recent years, from Fabian Nicieza's short-lived Hawkeye series to more recent writers, to the point where he's probably second only (maybe) to Bullseye in his ability to throw objects with deadly accuracy.
His training under the Swordsman has also been expanded upon such that, while he's certainly not a sword swinger in Swordsman's league, he's no slouch either.
His hand-to-hand skills are fairly decent, having been trained by no less an athlete than Captain America. His ability in this regard depends on the writer of the moment (and last I checked he was seemingly a little too skilled IMO), but he's fairly decent even without weapons.
From his carnie background, I'd give him some sleight of hand and knowledge (local) skill ranks. He's been shown to make bows and arrows out of various objects from time to time when he's needed to, so probably some ranks in Crafting for those objects. I'd probably max him out in Perception, too.
Clint has also long been a great leader, having founded and led several teams, from the West Coast Avengers to the Thunderbolts, and done so very successfully. He even managed to turn the Great Lakes Avengers into an effective team as long as he was leading them, which is no mean feat. :p
High Dexterity and Charisma ability scores, probably a decent Wisdom as well. Intelligence is probably average, strength slightly above average and Con could be average-slightly higher.
He was partially deaf in one ear, though I believe his hearing has been fine ever since the Heroes Reborn era.
In the past, he's had growth powers via Pym Particles, though he hasn't had them in some time.
So give him the Throw Anything feat. With all of his archer feats, you're set.
Case in point, here's a marvel game rendtion of Hawkeye with seven gadget arrow.
cheers
Green arrow had over 30 different types of trick arrows. Back in the day when he was bumming it, he even used soda and plastic bottle arrows. He had grappling, boxing glove started with him not hawkeye, bolas arrows and much more.
10 trapper ranger/ 3 archer fighter (disarm trick)/2-3 arcane archer/x full in for AA pre-req
@Grizzly: Agreed, Green Arrow is the "trick arrow" guy. Hawkeye does use trick arrows, but uses more of his precision and banks arrows for trick shots more than gimmicky gadgets. Even did a stint as the ninja Ronin.
As for Hawkeye, it is a matter of which Hawkeye you are wanting to portray. His entire career cannot be summed up in a single archetype or character build.
His early and even criminal career: I would suggest sniper rogue
Damaging and some trick skills: Archer Fighter (*note: this build is no where near the skill base that Clint has become known for)
Arrow output and decent skills: Zen Archer Monk (*note: this build requires a Lawful alignment and shouldn't be a standard for the entirety of his career. This should be a portion of his career or his early career in Ultimates, where he was a sanctioned spy for S.H.I.E.L.D.)
All-around: Urban Ranger with the archery combat style.
If you MUST have the Arcane Archer prestige class: Myrmidarch Magus would be the best route.