Dungeon of the Mad Mage - Session 68

The Friendless Four begin the session approaching their home in Waterdeep, guards missing and front door slightly ajar. Immediately knowing something is wrong, the group creep up and into the building, finding a rough-looking Coal sitting at their table. Shortly after, they meet the infamous Jarlaxle Baenre, and his "friend" mindflayr Nihiloor. The two explain they aren't responsible for their friends' kidnapping, and that the Xanathar guild was. They also propose an alliance; our heroes kill Xanathar, leaving the guild open to new management (Nihiloor), and once taken over, they will have a friendly agreement, and possibly access to purchase magical items and the like. They're given directions to where their friends are held captive, and warned not to waste time.
Wasting no time, the group ask few questions, then head back to the Yawning Portal, receive a new quest or two, then immediately head to Level 3 to diffuse Elf-Hobgoblin tensions, escort the elves to the Alabaster Throne, and collect their magic short-bow as payment.
Another quest completed, they head to Skullport, receive warning to play nice from the flaming skulls, then immediatey ignore said warning as they infiltrate and attack the Xanathar secret hideout.
There they find their two guards in mortal kombat with a minotaur, and engage the dark guild, hoping to save their friends, and possibly secure new ones.