Battle Afflication

[SurvivalistMerc]

I would hope that it would not be as quick as immortality, which is very quick indeed.

And I would hope that it would not happen whilst they accompany their armies and participate in battle...only as you previously suggested when they go to their dark citadel and rest and heal gradually (over a number of turns) from their wounds. Resting wouldn't be researching, either. And they would be behind stone walls like those mages you are so envious of.