Everyone's getting too high on Jet to work effectively. We aren't making but a tenth of our regular gold shipments, and we've jacked the price way up on that. This can't last.
Ascorti is a short black man with jet-black hair and a nice smile. Coupled with his nice clothes, he'd be the paragon of a successful businessman and politician, except that he's just a little too nice and too good looking, making him look greasy and sly.[1] No matter what one thinks about him, one thing is undeniable: Ascorti is successful. He runs Ascorti's Ace and City Hall, the sole casino in Redding, and tries to run the city fairly (with enough income to keep him and his employees afloat). He's considered a crook among the Reddingites, but an honest one.
This might seem like a contradiction until one considers the position Redding is in. As the pivotal element of Californian trade, the city relies on its gold exports. The more gold, the higher Ascorti's income is. However, the Mordinos' Jet operation in the city has damaged its economy, not to mention the loss of Great Wanamingo Mine to aggressive critters, putting Ascorti in a difficult position.
↑Ascorti: "{100}{}{You see a short man with jet-black hair and a nice smile.}" "{101}{}{You see Ascorti, Redding's Mayor.}" "{102}{}{You see a well-dressed man with a greasy look to him.}" (RCASCORT.MSG)
