[Fate]

I did the calculations, and 2 bodyguards HELPS. Yes, if your mage is selected, the chance of being hit (assuming 100 fatigue and non-magic weapons) goes from 86% up to 95%. On the other hand, your mage only has a 33% chance of selection (vs. 100%).

The result is 86% chance of being hit vs. ~31.5% chance.

That is a DROP of ~54.5% (over 50%!).