I feel like it's getting lost, so here is a summary of how to drastically speed up combat in order of (assumed) causes of delay:
1. Use an actual 5ft x 5ft grid pattern once in combat. This will make movement SO SO much easier because there will be a metric (ironic) ton less data for the AI to calculate. Use the same system Wasteland 3 used where a grid only appeared in combat, or don't put down a visible grid but still make each 'block' a fixed size.
2. Trust in the rules of 5e, including monster design. The overwhelming average amount of enemies should *only* have the Actions available in their D&D stat block. Less options = less work for the AI.
3. Fix the AI to prioritize proximity to the NPC rather than having magically perfect knowledge about which character has the lowest AC. This helps with #1 and #2 because less pathing will be needed, especially once they get in melee.
4. <insert list of 100 other small changes to more closely follow the rules of 5e, because each small change is truly a butterfly flapping its wings. Each small change adds up to a much smoother experience>
