Naerth Maxildanarr is the Lord Patrician (per Vetinari) of the town of Targos in Icewind Dale. Once the town's Speaker, he pulled out of the Council of Speakers (along with Vaelish Gant and Bremen) following the Chardalyn Desolation (see Ten little Towns), founding a new faction "The Chardalyn Syndicate". This is likely the fruition of a long-laid plan to establish a northen hub of influence for the Zhentarim. Naerth hid his membership in this group (also known as "The Black Network") of mercenaries and profiteers until the Desolation provided an opportunity to show strength and win over the support of the people. He now holds Targos to iron-fisted order, fierce competition against the non-syndicate settlements, and a ruthless persecution of the Children of Auril, a convenient focus for anger and hatred.
Naerth came to Targos in 1488 from Luskan, at first (much like Vaelish) establishing a protection racket, but eventually (and more successfully than Vaelish) finding a means to be voted the town's Speaker. He resides in (and now owns) The Luskan Arms tavern after the deaths of its prior owners. Never meet with him before he has finished his breakfast.