The very light system is based around Words. The beginning value of a Word of Power is six and it can be invoked by rolling under that value with two six-sided dice. Players navigate successes however they like. Thus, “Fire” can start one, burn the flesh, burn the heart, discharge a gun or manifest four building-sized letters; so long as there is some connection between the Word and the effect, no matter how tenuous, it happens. Once used, Words are made into Memories, which give the character Life. Accumulate 30 points of Life and your character will be restored to a semblance of it — and then, in the inverse of most RPGs, removed from the game.

Rolling over the Word’s value results in no manifestation of power — it then changes. Say, “Fire” to “Fired,” which limits your application considerably. This is balanced by raising its value, making it easier to succeed the roll. Rolling the exact same number as the value overcharges the Word.

They then go forth from planet to planet, doing Death’s bidding.

A bit like Dialect, Necronautilus scratches at the way we communicate and the way meanings are slippery, changeful things. I love this game. It feels like the edge of something entirely new.

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