Sorry for the obvious question but Speed is just for fleeing or does it have use in combat?

 

WIshes

It definitely helps in fleeing, my chanter often helped me outrun enemies.

But you can use it in the same way to start a fight and be able to position yourself better e.g. behing corner to avoid enemy casters/shooters, with low speed the enemy will be able to engage you and your characters will get stuck. You can also use it for kiting i.e. running away while some characters shoot the enemy from distance. It can be quite effective, also a bit cheesy in my eyes (still fairer than cheesing Drizzt though ). All in all i wouldn't consider it essential or worth a talent but it's useful.