Splintered Lands EP1

I like the way you put the reader into the tavern scenario and then you move onto the process of seeking and giving new information through the eyes of the characters.

Interesting how "Cros The Goblin" is described:
“I hear that he’s made literal war machines. The guy has no magic talent, so he builds a bunch of steam-shooting golems and they wipe out everything they catch off guard. Amazing.”

In other words, the viewpoint of the characters and not the narrator, is our guide into the (Splintered Lands) world situation.

Splintered Lands EP2

In this chapter it is interesting that a big charater in size such as a Dragon wants to gather intel by capturing one of Cros’s golems.

Which leads the reader into thinking why, maybe it could be revenge because of something Cros did to the Dragon, or because Cros is planning an attack, or because they are tired of Cros disrespectful strategies and they don't want to be caught off guard.