So why did Nabriales not...

[CGMidlander]

I re-watched the scene where Nabriales zapped Moebryda and I wonder why he didn't just zap Minfilia too and then take the staff?

Why did he opt to take Minfilia?

[Fevelle]

Plot armor is the most basic explanation. Maybe she still had some protection from Hydaelyn?

[Ayuhra]

Nabriales isn't a very clever man.

[FJerome]

Something something blame the Echo.

[Belhi]

Doesn't he say he doesn't try and kill Minfilia (or us at the time) because Elidibus wants us alive and he doesn't want to have to put up with his whining? I think he doesn't kill Minfilia for that reason. The only reason he tries to kill us is because we basically follow him and attack him.

[DragonSlayer45]

Same reasons Igeyorhm didn't toss us over the edge after fighting Bismarck and just kill us right then and there. Plot convenience and the Ascians are idiots.

[CyrilLucifer]

Doesn't he say he doesn't try and kill Minfilia (or us at the time) because Elidibus wants us alive and he doesn't want to have to put up with his whining? I think he doesn't kill Minfilia for that reason. The only reason he tries to kill us is because we basically follow him and attack him.

Basically, this. He says flat out that Elidibus is why he can't be more outright hostile.

Elidibus Smash seems to be a very scary thing indeed.

There's no excuse for Igeyorhm, though. My guess would be she promised Lahabrea to leave the WoL to him, maybe.

[Belhi]

Same reasons Igeyorhm didn't toss us over the edge after fighting Bismarck and just kill us right then and there. Plot convenience and the Ascians are idiots.

Its worth pointing out we are basically just another chess piece to the ascians or we have been in the past. For them we have been a contributor to the chaos that fills the world. That has changed as the ascians have come to realise we have moved beyond their means to control effectively and are now a direct threat rather than simply a pawn to be used.

[myahele]

Its been speculated that there's "rules of engagement" that the Asciens can or can't do.

One of it seems to be to not harm/kill people of that world unless it's for self-defense. Elidibus zapped Minfillia in his 1st appearance since she tried to hurt him. Same with Nabriales vs Moenbryda

For whatever reason, Minfilia is very important to the Ascien's plans. Elidibus wonders if it was by Hydaelyns doing that Minfillia survived the Ardor.

[CyrilLucifer]

snip

I agree, to me it seems that they have some laws that bind them that stop them from killing those not directly hostile. The WoL was definitely, definitely being hostile in the research facility.

That being said, if the game goes full Alma-Altima (or Catiua/Kachua, going back even further with the Matsuno references) with Minfilia I'm going to be extremely bitter.