Imagine: a super strong boss slaps the bejesus out of your mercenary. Instead of dying, the mercenary sits down for 45 seconds.
How can this situation be based in reality?
Well, the mercenary is in fact so powerful, he simply says “While you merely tickle me, I respect your damage and I will step aside for a while to let you do your thing”.
Wtf?
Just let them die, so that this game doesn’t lose all immersion. Don’t make this some blood free kids game where you can’t die, but only “fall asleep”…