I'm not sure if anyone has posted about trying a mage / mage combination. It should be easier later in the game, but eventually someone is going to get close, so it would probably be prudent to have some armour and conventional weapons as a backup (a bow or crossbow would help you conserve mana, though there would be a bit of a delay switching to casting spells during a fight).
Are you referring to the 4 skeleton mages together, or just mages in general? For the group of 4, you can leave one character at the eastern end of the corridor, and approach with the other. Get the attention of one (or two) of the mages, and run back towards your other character. By the time they chase you down they will be low on stamina, and can not cast and run repeatedly, and will not have full support from the other mages.
The skeleton summoning doll can equip a crossbow. It is not that tough, but can offer some support, especially if your opponents are more interested in attacking your main characters.
