I've gotten to a part where I apparently need to flee downwards. The most recent time I got killed by a centipede sticking out of the ground (or whatever it is), but I had a revive potion so 'no biggie' I thought (I also had enough gems to buy another one). So upon respawning I immediately when to the side and dropped of a ledge, but somehow the centipede still killed me, even though I was nowhere near it (although I did get moved to the centipede when I died). Might want to check that, felt buggy.
Current highest height: 1423 ft. ( I will get to the top!)
Edit: Oh yeah, the different names on the little guy is a nice touch.