Tip: The Art of Placement

[danm]

wouldnt having the 2 bodyguards increse the odds of that square being initially chosen as a target x3 though?

you'd have to add in the odds of the mage getting hit due to his bodyguards being "missed"

assumed targetting process:
pick target unit. (1x mage +2x guards)
determine Target square.
determine square actually hit. (assume good accuracy)
determine unit hit in that square (if any -- guards "pay back" here 1/3 chance of picking mage).
determine if that unit IS hit.
determine damage.

I think it comes out near a wash, but the bodyguards may be slightly counterproductive.

[Ironhawk]

Well, any grouping of men will attract fire... but you are really picking hairs here. I mean, so long as you dont place the mage+guards square provocatively, you are fine. You have to think like the targetting AI: should I fire at this lone square with three men? Or this enormous cluster of 5x5 squares packed full of men? Two extra guys doesnt really make a difference.

Additionally, if you choose good bodyguards - normal hp, high prot, elemental res (if you can of course), then it makes that square even less appealing as a target.