Ernesto Mendez is a character role-played by n4r4plays.
About[]
Ernesto Manuel José Mendez was born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, into a world of danger and power—son of two powerful Mexican cartel drug lords. At a young age, in an effort to shield him from the brutal drug wars consuming his family and homeland, Ernesto was sent to live with his cousins in Chicago.
Life in Chicago, however, was no escape from danger. The streets called to him, and it wasn’t long before Ernesto was drawn into the underworld. He was blooded into the Aztecas, a feared Mexican cartel subset that ruled the streets of Chicago. Despite being the youngest active member in the city’s Azteca ranks, Ernesto quickly gained respect for his street smarts, cold ambition, and raw talent. His gift for cultivating both plants and opportunities—earning him a reputation for having a "green thumb"—made him an invaluable asset to the gang.
It wasn’t long before Ernesto's uncanny knack for business turned a modest operation into a cash cow, elevating the Aztecas' influence and profits. His rapid success caught the attention of even bigger players in the cartel, and soon, Ernesto found himself wanted in the vast, lucrative markets of California. His rise was unstoppable—and the stakes, higher than ever.
Los Santos[]
When Ernesto first landed in Los Santos, he was introduced to a Vago named Jay, who quickly gave him a rundown of the city’s gritty underworld. Jay didn’t just share the basics of the streets—he also brought Ernesto into his Vagos family. After getting a feel for the city and the crew, Jay asked Ernesto if he would join their ranks. After some contemplation, Ernesto decided to roll with the Vagos for a few days, testing the waters.
However, those few days turned out to be shorter than expected. As Ernesto got to know the group better, he soon realized that the Vagos’ leader had questionable motives—his ambitions were self-serving, with little concern for the well-being of his own people. Disillusioned, Ernesto and a small faction of the Vagos broke away, seeking a new path that aligned more closely with their values. This shift led them to their next chapter: joining the Aztecas, where Ernesto once again donned the iconic blue colors, ready for a fresh start.
Years passed, and the harsh realities of the drug trade began to take their toll. The Aztecas' numbers dwindled as violence and betrayal eroded the ranks. The constant pressure of leadership weighed heavily on Ernesto, leaving him exhausted and questioning his future.
It was during this time that Ernesto was introduced to Lex, a figure from a mutual associate named Shaza. Both men shared a common goal—to restore the Aztecas to their rightful place at the top of the city's criminal hierarchy. With a renewed sense of purpose, Ernesto found himself stepping back from the burdens of leadership, instead focusing on what he did best: getting his hands dirty and making deals, especially in the world of narcotics—specifically, that sweet, green Mary Jane.
Now, freed from the pressures of command, Ernesto can finally thrive in his element, navigating the complex streets of Los Santos with a sharper focus and determination than ever before.