I've seen conditions like that before. Does anyone know the cause?

[He takes the time to study him in turn. The boy carries himself with confidence and seems to have a decent grip on what's happening in the place. He doesn't seem he'd be a liability or hold him back.]

I want to learn the city a little better first. When I'm ready to go, I'll find you and let you know. It would likely be just the two of us, or perhaps one or two others. Small groups are best for these sorts of things.

What did you do before you came here?