Well, that didn't work out. Plan B it is then.

Hawke, not wasting any time, quickly rushes forward towards the leather-armor clad man just as he finished his war cry. Now, he wasn't sure if Aether was in good enough shape to get through the armor, but it could definitely slice through flesh and bone. With great killing intent, and the magical power of Momentum, Hawke put all his force to a great slash, hoping to cut the man in two straight down the middle.

Hopefully, that smoke bomb would help the others. Hawke couldn't risk fighting in that with Aether. While a normal sword might be intended for you and only you, Aether in Hawke's hands was more addressed "To whom it may concern".