This is such a clever way around the word limit. Even with the limited fighting options, it's still such an entertaining game to play. It's like cookie clicker kind of but if it was awesome. Having a clear goal given to you from the start and knowing how to achieve it really helps drive the player to want to succeed. The secret genocide route is awesome too. The decision to murder that guy seemed so insignificant at the time. Making the player lose because of that is a really fun and smart way to twist player expectations and make a choice that seems unimportant actually define whether or not you win or lose. However, that being said, I will remain standing as a proud merchant hater and I refuse to do any other ending in which he stays alive.
Also I think although maybe visuals would've been nice, I definitely think this stands really strongly on its own without any graphics.
GREAT JOB !!!!!!