Prototype unlimited alliance variant

docs/OPTIONAL_ALLIANCE_VICTORY.md

@@ -1,5 +1,28 @@
 # Optional three-stronghold alliance victory
 
+## Unlimited alliance prototype — 29 October 2026
+
+**Staged Basic prototype, not a selectable game mode.** The optional
+`unlimited` ledger permits up to the six seated factions in one alliance.
+An existing alliance or an unallied entrant may propose a new member; every
+existing member and the entrant must agree. A departure preserves the other
+members and their original pairwise alliance edges. The table shows the
+participants and pending approvals; minimal bots can request admission and
+answer. Named allies can contribute separately to ordinary bids and physical
+shipments. The staged Guild, Emperor, Fremen, battle preparation and traitor
+paths use the same group membership. A qualifying alliance needs three distinct
+strongholds, plus any separately agreed increase; the existing two-controller
+precedence remains provisional. Other alliances retain their previous targets.
+
+The [publisher's optional alliance table](https://www.gf9games.com/dunegame/wp-content/uploads/Dune-Rulebook.pdf)
+pairs any number of allies with three strongholds. Unanimous admission,
+departure handling, donor-specific escrow and extension of single-ally powers
+are provisional online procedures, not additional publisher rulings. Tests use
+an explicitly staged Basic classic-faction ledger, not a normal lobby start.
+Advanced, expansions, optional modules, live Truthtrance commitments and
+complete group interactions remain unfinished. No lobby creates this ledger;
+the prototype does not certify or open a complete rules mode.
+
 ## Group roster and self-funded Guild transport — 29 October 2026
 
 **Staged Basic prototype, not a selectable game mode.** The public roster
@@ -173,8 +196,8 @@ provisional online procedures, not publisher rulings. This scope excludes
 expansion decks/factions, Advanced, optional modules, live Truthtrance
 commitments and pledged aid. No lobby creates the group ledger: faction ally
 benefits, group funding and other interactions must be connected before any
-player can start the printed larger-alliance option. The separate unlimited
-alliance variant remains missing.
+player can start the printed larger-alliance option. The later unlimited
+prototype above extends this staged groundwork.
 
 **Prototyped / Partial — 28 October 2026.** The host can select a shorter
 two-member alliance game in the lobby. With at least three physical
@@ -191,6 +214,6 @@ two-member alliance with three strongholds as a shorter game. The
 preserves that table. This first version keeps the existing four-stronghold
 target for two physical controllers, including the two-faction-per-person
 setup; priority between that special setup and this optional table is a
-provisional interpretation. Larger alliance variants require separate
-membership and interaction work. Advanced and expansion combinations are not
+provisional interpretation. Larger alliance variants retain separate
+membership and interaction work as described above. Advanced and expansion combinations are not
 certified by the Basic-focused evidence.