Shadow Steps, Hard mode, AI, and aggro

If this is the wrong forum, please move. For example, I'm not sure if the Assassin forum is better.

Please share your experience with this. I don't mind testing, and I do intend to do so. If you have insights to share, I would appreciate it. I have not played either of the Factions professions, and have not used shadow steps very much.

What is the AI behavior for foes in hard mode when you engage aggro, and then shadow step out of their aggro bubble? Assume you have a speed boost equal to their inherent boost also. Will they break off? If so, will they follow again if you immediately halt after shadow stepping, or must you approach them again for them to follow you?

Fast IMS boosts will break aggro and so will shadow steps provided you can clear their bubble. They seem to have a funny system where once they "see you" they know to find that particular target more easily the next time around. If you do a potentially long range step like Shadow of Haste well outside their bubble they will just reset to their regular patrol path until aggroed again.

Thanks, that is helpful. Is longbow range (for non-ranger foes) sufficient to break aggro? Does the aftercast delay of shadow steps influence behavior, or do they immediately break once you have stepped out of their aggro?

If you don't keep moving either way they will stop for a second like they want to reset and then come running after you well beyond longbow range, probably spirit range. It depends what you are planning to use (I am assuming ally steps) which will work if you play leapfrog with a friend. Dash on the edge of their bubble will always cause them to stop and turn around almost instantly.