This is a well-crafted goat leather scroll.
"The Architecture of Steelhold"
To the aristocracy of The Gloves of Admiring,
In continuation of my previous report on the nature and workings of our colony, I have thus drafted this scroll on the design and architecture of the fortress.
The exterior area around the fortress -- once an ordinary desert site -- is now utterly defaced by the workers of this colony. Surrounding the entrance is a series of defensive trenches, intended to keep the goblins and kobolds away. A large tower lies to the south of the fortress, and was once the site of a madman's personal project; I am happy to report that the aforesaid project has been removed and the madman executed. Built into the side of the beach to the west is the original tomb of the first baron, though his body has since been removed. Leading up to the fortress is a green glass road and retractable bridge, attributable to the eccentricity of the second baron.
The exterior of the fortress itself is largely unfinished. A large guard tower is connected to the left-side of the entrance, though fortifications have been constructed all about the second-story for sharpshooting. Archways line the road up to the fortress, and they hold pathways leading to the towers; they are. of course, trapped to give-way when goblins attempt to besiege Steelhold whilst crossing them. The upper levels have very little construction to them, and I do not now -- as of now -- whether or not a future overseer will attempt to work off of them. There is also a courtyard for beekeeping connected in the back, though it is rarely used.
As for the interior of the fortress, I must say that I am glad this prison was not placed on any major fault-lines; the structural integrity is quite lacking. Depending upon which floor you are on, there will be either no construction or mining whatsoever or the entire floor will be taken up by corridors or stockpiles. We are actually over several major cavern systems as well. If something caused this fortress to rumble, it would literally sink into the earth.
The individual sections of the fortress are far too complex to describe in a scroll -- they must be seen to be believed. There are three cell-blocks -- for example -- each with their own insane means of design. I am no cartographer myself, but to even attempt to map this place out would be an exercise in futility.
With that, I must bid you farewell until my next scroll. Keep in mind that the denizens grow more independent by the day; it will not be long before they attempt an organized attack on the mainland.
Sincerely,
James Joyce, Esq.