MAKE SURE YOU DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC PACK HERE: Download
QUEST WILL NOT WORK CORRECTLY IN 2.5.0 OR 2.5.1, PLEASE USE 2.5.2.
MASSIVE UPDATE on 4/30/2017.

Forbidden Ascent is a sidescroller adventure incorporating some Metroidvania elements. The quest has now been updated from its original incarnation, nearly doubling in length. Explore several unique areas with three different characters, each with their own fully-scripted arsenals. Several hidden items and upgrades exist for those who search thoroughly. Twenty special challenges are also spread throughout the world, culminating in the most complex superboss ZC has yet produced. Changes from the original release of the quest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A new playable character.
• Expansions to every area of the game.
• Some new areas.
• New items.
• Rescripted grapple physics.
• Readjusted difficulty curve.
• New bosses.
• New challenges.
• A fully fleshed-out postgame.

For those who have played the quest before and would like to experience a new story, input your file name as "Caelan" to play the main story as Caelan rather than Emily.

Update 1/8/2020:


Update 8/6/2019:


Update 7/18/2019:

The world was not a cruel place, though perhaps a bit simple at times. It had few rules, but there was one that had to be followed at all costs. No matter what happens, do not approach the tower at the edge of town. It absolutely must not be climbed.

A young woman named Emily, growing resentful of her mundane life, decided to break that one rule and climb the tower. To her surprise, she found a whole new world waiting for her at the top, with yet another tower. Enlisting the aid of the initially-reluctant Lucas, she set out to climb the series of towers before her, hoping the uncover the meaning behind it all. The truth would turn out to be far beyond anything the two of them could imagine.

The biggest tip I can give is to explore. Each "overworld" area between the towers has two heart containers hidden, for a maximum of 1,000 HP. There are also several hidden weapons that will greatly simplify matters. When in doubt, check the minimap. It can reveal if a secret path to another screen exists.

For the postgame, three data discs are hidden in each main area. Some are accessible in the main game, while others require you to complete the main game and unlock Caelan. The challenge menu itself can be accessed from the screen to the right of Caelan's house.

For those who value minor graphical changes, a swimsuit exists hidden near the beginning of the game. It's only a cosmetic change, but it can be fun to play around with.

As with all Russ quests, the password is available upon completion of the quest. The script files are included in the download for those who are curious.

First, I want to give a special thank you to Aevin. Without him, this quest would have turned out very differently. He contributed the main character sprites, beta tested, and gave constant feedback through the development process. His role in shaping the quest can hardly be understated.

Graphics:
-Most graphics were made by Moosh.
-Snowy mountain background from Kirby's Adventure, ripped by Mephea of VGMaps.
-Moon background from Megaman 5, ripped by VGMaps.
-Star background made by Jupiter.
-Main character sprites made by Aevin.
-Giant statue sprite ripped from Starbound.

Music:
-Full music credits can be found in the music folder