An artificial island built way out at sea, the Hooge is a trading groud for clan members and ne'er-do-wells all over Valandis. Peaceful and prosperous, the Hooge is a must-visit at least once if you want a new party member. It's also worth of return visits, as the Hooge offers some nifty services not found elsewhere in Valandis.
In order to reach The Hooge you must first begin the side quest The Food, the Chap, and the Hungry. Speak to Tomke after the introductory cut scene and you'll sail out to the Hooge. Once Tomke is on your team the Hooge will appear in the southeastern seas of Valandis, and you can fly out there any time you like. (Though note that Fast Travel is not an option.)
There are plenty of things to see on the Hooge, and though you can't access them all immediately upon arrival, it's good to get familiar with everything you can do on this steel monument to commercialism.
Stores
- West of the starting point you'll find a vendor who will sell you equipment for your Sky Armor, a relative rarity in Valandis.
- Also west of the starting point is a vendor who will only sell you items if you bring him a Golden Voucher. This is sold by a merchant in the Ograne Grottos, accessible only when you've reached the very end of the game. The vendor sells 600-level Sky Armor equipment once you present a Golden Voucher.
- The last stall to the west of the starting point is a vendor who will sell you additional airship models. You'll need to recruit Kayn Sivar to the Crimson Wings before you can purchase a new airship. Note that the changes are purely cosmetic, and won't affect the storyline.
Treasures
The six treasures found on the Hooge are sitting more or less out in the open, but they'll require you to travel to the east side of the area. To do this you'll need to climb the stairs to the captain's quarters, go around them, and hop onto the moving platform that constantly bops east and west. For efficiency's sake we'll start on the east side of the Hooge and make our way back to the west.
- There's a ladder to your right after you drop down from the landing spot for the moving platform. In the northeast of the Hooge, up this ladder, you'll find a chest containing two Platinum Ores.
- Just east of one of the Hooge's employees roughing up a piggish customer you'll find a chest containing a Sacred Water.
- As you head back west along the lower level on the east side of the Hooge you'll see a doorway. Enter it, walk north, then walk west. You'll emerge near a metal box containing Exorcist RAM.
- South of where you pick up the Exorcist RAM is a drop that will take you waaaaaay down, to the Hooge's lowest level, near the water. Head west after making the jump and you'll find a chest containing two Exchange Parts.
- Climb back up to the Hooge's west side via the ladder at the end of the path where you found the Exchange Parts. Head north once you're back on the main platform, then swing left. You'll find a ladder down to a chest containing Fine Wool.
- Trek southeast, along the southern edge of the Hooge. You'll find a short walkway with a chest containing 1,500a on its right end.
Gormit
In addition to the treasures above, you can also recruit a new member for the Crimsion Wings on the Hooge. In the southeast corner of the Hooge you'll find a construction worker named Gormit who can't stand traveling the seas, as it upsets his stomach. Gormit will happily join your crew if asked, and will help upgrade your base when he moves to Hermit's Isle.
- The Dayajir is located in the Empyrean Ruins, inside a metal box a little over halfway through your trip to the area.
- The Dayajir's Soul is held by a strange little merchant living in the Ograne Grottos. You'll need to enter the grottos via Raminas Tower to meet the merchant and buy the soul.