diff --git a/docs/roadmap/features/0012-collection-assembly.md b/docs/roadmap/features/0012-collection-assembly.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a927be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/roadmap/features/0012-collection-assembly.md
@@ -0,0 +1,304 @@
+# Feature 0012: Assemble the D&D Collection
+
+Status: ready
+
+## Summary
+
+Turn the existing `ansible-collection-dnd` repository into a valid, buildable
+`rakestraw.dnd` Ansible collection that exposes the independently developed
+pipeline role as `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline`. The collection will carry a
+self-contained snapshot of the pipeline role, publish the collection
+dependencies Ansible can resolve natively, and provide one consumer bootstrap
+manifest for the five Git-hosted application roles.
+
+## Problem or Opportunity
+
+The standalone application roles and the opinionated pipeline role are now
+implemented and independently tested, but the collection repository still
+contains only a placeholder README and repository metadata. A consumer cannot
+build or install `rakestraw.dnd`, invoke the intended fully qualified role
+name, or reproduce the reviewed combination of application-role dependencies
+from that repository.
+
+The pipeline role must remain independently developed, versioned, and usable.
+At the same time, the collection artifact must contain the role it advertises;
+it cannot depend on a sibling checkout, a symbolic link, or workspace-only
+tooling at runtime. The assembly boundary therefore needs an explicit,
+repeatable source-import convention and focused integration coverage of the
+packaged result.
+
+## Governing Policies
+
+- [The Ansible house style](../../ansible.md) governs collection metadata,
+  dependency declarations, documentation, and the preference for native
+  Ansible packaging behavior.
+- [The testing house style](../../testing.md) governs behavior-oriented,
+  state-based validation and the avoidance of tests that merely restate file
+  layout or implementation details.
+- [The MVP roadmap](../mvp.md) establishes the collection name, independently
+  released role repositories, Git-hosted application-role dependencies, and
+  the collection as the compatibility record for an assembled release.
+- Features [0006](0006-pipeline-role-composition-foundation.md) through
+  [0011](0011-managed-pipeline-credential-delivery.md) define the pipeline
+  role behavior being assembled; this feature does not reopen those contracts.
+
+## Scope
+
+- Add valid Ansible Galaxy metadata for collection namespace `rakestraw`, name
+  `dnd`, development version `0.1.0`, the repository's existing license and
+  README, and its supported Ansible version.
+- Declare the exact `ansible.posix` and `community.general` versions already
+  selected by the pipeline role as collection dependencies.
+- Import the complete standalone pipeline-role repository into
+  `roles/pipeline` as a squashed Git subtree at an explicitly reviewed commit.
+- Treat `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline` as authoritative: changes are made and
+  reviewed there first, then deliberately imported into the collection. Do
+  not edit role behavior directly beneath the collection's subtree prefix.
+- Document the initial subtree import and subsequent update commands so the
+  source relationship is reproducible without custom tooling or private
+  knowledge.
+- Ensure the standalone pipeline role's collection-facing documentation
+  distinguishes its standalone role name and invocation from
+  `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline` use without changing its public behavior.
+- Add `meta/runtime.yml` with `requires_ansible: ">=2.18.0"`, matching the
+  implemented roles' supported baseline.
+- Add one root `requirements.yml` that combines the five Git-hosted
+  application-role dependencies with the two collection dependencies needed
+  to bootstrap the assembled suite.
+- Pin application roles to the exact reviewed commits already selected by the
+  standalone pipeline role during development. Keep the root bootstrap
+  manifest and the imported role's dependency manifests consistent.
+- Configure collection builds to omit development-only content embedded in the
+  role subtree, including its integration suite, local Ansible configuration,
+  and nested dependency manifests. Retain operator-facing role documentation
+  and licensing in the source collection unless Ansible packaging requires
+  otherwise.
+- Replace the collection's placeholder README with concise instructions for
+  dependency bootstrap, collection build and installation, FQCN invocation,
+  subtree provenance and updates, supported platform, and the distinction
+  between development commit pins and future released role tags.
+- Add a focused collection integration suite that starts with isolated role
+  and collection paths, installs the root bootstrap manifest and the locally
+  built collection artifact, invokes `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline`, validates the
+  assembled pipeline through the applications' native configuration
+  interfaces, and verifies an immediate second application converges with no
+  reported changes.
+
+## Non-goals
+
+- Publishing the collection to Ansible Galaxy, Automation Hub, Gitea, or any
+  other registry.
+- Creating the first collection release tag or application-role release tags.
+- Replacing development commit pins with immutable role tags before those tags
+  exist.
+- Vendoring any of the five standalone application roles into the collection.
+- Moving authoritative pipeline-role development into the collection
+  repository or permitting collection-local role forks.
+- Changing pipeline defaults, host convergence, application versions,
+  application configuration, asset deployment, credentials, or runtime
+  behavior.
+- Adding collection plugins, modules, filters, playbooks, execution
+  environments, CI workflows, release automation, or a general-purpose sync
+  framework.
+- Repeating every standalone pipeline integration scenario inside the
+  collection suite or asserting the exact contents of metadata and manifests
+  as an implementation snapshot.
+- Supporting installation without network access. The collection artifact is
+  self-contained for the pipeline role, but its declared external role and
+  collection dependencies must still be made available to Ansible.
+
+## Target End State
+
+The collection repository has this durable shape:
+
+```text
+ansible-collection-dnd/
+├── galaxy.yml
+├── meta/
+│   └── runtime.yml
+├── requirements.yml
+├── roles/
+│   └── pipeline/             imported pipeline-role subtree
+├── tests/
+│   ├── converge.yml
+│   ├── integration           assembled-artifact behavior test
+│   └── inventory
+├── LICENSE
+└── README.md
+```
+
+`ansible-galaxy collection build` produces a valid
+`rakestraw-dnd-0.1.0.tar.gz` artifact. After the documented bootstrap installs
+the root dependency manifest and the built artifact into clean Ansible paths,
+a consumer can invoke:
+
+```yaml
+- name: Install and configure the D&D transcript pipeline
+  hosts: pipeline_hosts
+  roles:
+    - role: rakestraw.dnd.pipeline
+```
+
+The collection contains ordinary role files at `roles/pipeline`; it has no
+runtime link to the standalone repository. Git history records that directory
+as a squashed subtree import from `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline`. Maintainers make
+pipeline changes in the standalone repository, validate and commit them there,
+then update the collection subtree from the desired reviewed commit.
+
+The root bootstrap manifest is the consumer-facing compatibility manifest for
+development. It contains the same five application-role sources and reviewed
+commit pins as the imported pipeline role, plus exact versions of
+`ansible.posix` and `community.general`. The collection's Galaxy metadata also
+declares those two collection dependencies because Ansible can resolve them as
+native collection dependencies. This intentional duplication serves two
+different installation boundaries and must remain consistent.
+
+Development-only files may remain in the subtree source for faithful
+provenance, but they are excluded from the built artifact. The collection's
+own integration suite exercises the artifact rather than the repository role
+directory, with role and collection paths isolated from ordinary user
+installations.
+
+## Repository Ownership
+
+- `ansible-collection-dnd` owns collection metadata, the consumer bootstrap
+  manifest, the imported pipeline snapshot, collection-facing documentation,
+  build exclusions, and assembled-artifact integration coverage.
+- `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline` remains authoritative for all pipeline-role code,
+  defaults, templates, dependency metadata, standalone documentation, and its
+  comprehensive integration suite. This feature changes only the wording
+  needed to document both standalone and collection use.
+- The five standalone application-role repositories remain authoritative for
+  their roles and are read-only inputs to this feature.
+- `campaigns` and `narratio-prompts` remain independently managed asset
+  repositories and are read-only integration inputs.
+- `ansible-workspace-dnd` owns this feature roadmap, progress tracking, and the
+  later independent review record.
+- Application source repositories and `rakestraw-ansible` remain unchanged.
+
+## Constraints and Settled Decisions
+
+- The collection is `rakestraw.dnd`; the bundled role's FQCN is
+  `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline`.
+- A squashed Git subtree is the selected incorporation mechanism. It yields a
+  normal, self-contained collection artifact while preserving an auditable
+  upstream relationship and avoiding submodule checkout requirements,
+  symbolic links, manual copying, or custom synchronization state.
+- The subtree prefix is `roles/pipeline`, and the standalone pipeline
+  repository remains the only place where role behavior is authored.
+- The first development build uses collection version `0.1.0`. This version
+  enables ordinary Galaxy build and install validation but does not itself
+  authorize publication or establish a release tag.
+- Development dependencies use exact reviewed commits. A later release pass
+  must replace all application-role commit pins with immutable role release
+  tags and revalidate the assembled artifact before publishing.
+- Collection dependencies remain exactly `ansible.posix` 2.2.0 and
+  `community.general` 13.3.0, matching the existing reviewed pipeline
+  manifests.
+- Galaxy metadata cannot install arbitrary standalone Git roles. The root
+  unified requirements manifest and documented bootstrap are therefore part
+  of the collection's public installation contract.
+- The collection integration suite must not receive dependencies from the
+  developer's normal Ansible paths. Its success must demonstrate that the
+  documented manifest and built artifact are sufficient.
+- The collection suite owns only the packaging boundary: buildability,
+  dependency bootstrap, FQCN resolution, representative assembled behavior,
+  native configuration acceptance, and convergence. Detailed pipeline feature
+  matrices remain in the standalone role's tests.
+- The collection does not add probes, manifests, checksums, copied-file
+  comparisons, or private state to police the subtree. Git and the documented
+  subtree workflow are the provenance mechanism.
+
+## Simplest Viable Implementation
+
+Use Ansible's conventional collection layout and metadata directly. Import the
+reviewed pipeline repository with ordinary `git subtree add --squash`, then
+exclude only the subtree's development fixtures and nested bootstrap files
+from Galaxy builds. No wrapper role, generated role, symbolic link, submodule,
+or synchronization script is required.
+
+Derive the root unified dependency manifest directly from the pipeline role's
+two existing manifests. The only deliberate duplication is the collection
+dependency declaration in `galaxy.yml`, because the artifact and the source
+bootstrap have distinct native Ansible dependency interfaces.
+
+Use one representative integration path: build into a temporary directory,
+install dependencies and the artifact into isolated temporary Ansible paths,
+apply `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline` using the same offline synthetic inputs already
+proven by the standalone suite, run native application configuration
+validation, and apply the play a second time to assert `changed=0` and
+`failed=0`. This tests the behavior unique to collection assembly without
+duplicating the standalone role's full test matrix.
+
+## Rationale and Alternatives
+
+A squashed subtree is preferable to a Git submodule because Ansible collection
+archives require real role content and should build correctly from an ordinary
+checkout without a second initialization step. It is preferable to a symbolic
+link because archive behavior and installed collection paths would be fragile.
+It is preferable to an unrecorded copy because subtree history retains the
+source relationship and provides a standard update command. Squashing avoids
+injecting the pipeline repository's entire development history into the
+collection while still recording each reviewed import.
+
+Moving the role permanently into the collection would simplify assembly, but
+would discard the settled requirement that the suite role remain independently
+developed, tested, versioned, and usable. A thin collection wrapper that
+depends on `rakestraw.dnd_pipeline` would avoid source import but would not
+actually bundle the role or satisfy the desired FQCN without adding another
+runtime dependency layer.
+
+Keeping one unified root requirements file gives consumers one bootstrap
+command for both dependency kinds. Retaining the imported role's own
+requirements files in source preserves standalone repository fidelity; build
+exclusion prevents those nested development interfaces from confusing users
+of the installed artifact.
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+
+- The collection repository is recognized by `ansible-galaxy` as
+  `rakestraw.dnd` version `0.1.0` and builds successfully from a clean checkout.
+- The built archive contains `roles/pipeline` and excludes the imported role's
+  development-only integration suite, local Ansible configuration, and nested
+  dependency manifests.
+- The role content at `roles/pipeline` is traceable to a documented reviewed
+  commit of `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline` through the repository's squashed
+  subtree history.
+- The standalone pipeline README accurately documents both
+  `rakestraw.dnd_pipeline` and `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline` consumption without
+  changing role behavior.
+- `meta/runtime.yml` selects Ansible 2.18 or newer, and Galaxy metadata declares
+  the exact two collection dependencies used by the pipeline.
+- The root bootstrap manifest contains all five standalone application roles
+  at the same reviewed commits used by the imported pipeline role and the
+  exact two required collections.
+- Collection documentation provides sufficient commands to install the
+  bootstrap dependencies, build and install the artifact, invoke the pipeline
+  FQCN, and update the subtree from a future reviewed pipeline commit.
+- The integration suite starts with isolated Ansible role and collection
+  paths, installs only the declared bootstrap inputs and built artifact, and
+  resolves `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline` without access to a sibling role checkout.
+- The representative assembled deployment passes the applications' native
+  configuration validation and an immediate identical second run reports
+  `changed=0` and `failed=0`.
+- Existing standalone pipeline-role validation continues to pass after its
+  documentation-only change.
+- No application role, application source, asset behavior, or pipeline host
+  convergence behavior changes as part of this feature.
+
+## Dependencies and Follow-up Work
+
+- Features 0001 through 0011 and their reviewed role commits are prerequisites.
+- A subsequent release feature must create immutable role tags, replace
+  development commit pins, select the release collection version, validate the
+  tagged combination, create release notes and tags, and publish or distribute
+  the artifact.
+- CI automation may later run the collection integration suite after a local,
+  repeatable workflow exists.
+
+## Potential Future Hardening
+
+- Sign collection artifacts or publish checksums and software bills of
+  materials when a distribution threat model requires them.
+- Automate subtree provenance checks and dependency-pin synchronization if
+  manual collection updates become frequent enough to justify that machinery.
diff --git a/docs/roadmap/implementation.md b/docs/roadmap/implementation.md
index 28ea5ba..d4a92ec 100644
--- a/docs/roadmap/implementation.md
+++ b/docs/roadmap/implementation.md
@@ -1,8 +1,559 @@
-# Implementation Plan
+# Implementation Plan 0012: Assemble the D&D Collection
 
-Status: pending
+Status: proposed
 
-Feature 0011 is complete. There is no active implementation plan.
+Target executor: GPT-5.6-Terra
 
-Select the next unit of work and agree on its numbered feature roadmap before
-replacing this notice with a staged implementation plan.
+Feature roadmap:
+`docs/roadmap/features/0012-collection-assembly.md`
+
+Active plan location: `docs/roadmap/implementation.md`
+
+## Objective
+
+Build the initial `rakestraw.dnd` collection around the independently
+maintained pipeline role. The completed source repository must build and
+install as collection version `0.1.0`, expose the imported role as
+`rakestraw.dnd.pipeline`, bootstrap the exact reviewed standalone role and
+collection dependencies, and prove the packaged boundary through one focused
+isolated integration path. The feature roadmap remains authoritative for
+scope, rationale, target state, and acceptance criteria.
+
+## Execution Rules
+
+- Execute stages in numeric order.
+- Number stages with consecutive integers beginning with `Stage 1`. Do not use
+  zero-based, decimal, nested, or nonsequential stage identifiers.
+- Before each stage, confirm its preconditions and the working-tree state of
+  its owning repository.
+- Before each stage, read every document listed in that stage's Required Policy
+  Review. Do not rely on policy recalled from an earlier stage.
+- Preserve unrelated and pre-existing changes.
+- Do not make unresolved product or architecture decisions during execution;
+  stop and report the decision required.
+- Start from the feature roadmap's simplest viable implementation. Use native
+  Galaxy metadata, dependency manifests, collection layout, and Git subtree
+  behavior rather than adding wrappers, generators, synchronization scripts,
+  or private state.
+- Do not alter pipeline behavior in the standalone repository or beneath the
+  imported `roles/pipeline` prefix. Any discovered behavioral defect belongs
+  in the standalone pipeline repository and requires a separately reviewed
+  change before a new subtree import.
+- Do not add integrity, drift, release, publishing, signing, rollback, or
+  offline-installation guarantees beyond the feature roadmap.
+- Keep collection tests focused on the packaging boundary. Do not copy the
+  standalone pipeline role's full integration matrix.
+- Run every stage's validation before committing it. Stage 3 is the sole
+  mechanical exception: `git subtree add` necessarily creates its provenance
+  commit as part of the import, so run its validation immediately afterward
+  and do not proceed if it fails.
+- Commit each completed stage when it leaves the repository in a valid state,
+  using the commit intent specified by that stage. Do not push any repository.
+- Do not begin a dependent stage after an earlier stage fails validation.
+
+## Starting State and Preconditions
+
+- The workspace planning changes for Feature 0012, including this plan, have
+  been reviewed and committed before execution begins.
+- `ansible-workspace-dnd`, `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline`, and
+  `ansible-collection-dnd` begin on `main` with clean working trees.
+- The standalone pipeline role begins at `de1b191cd2b6895895d3915e7b453596994127cf`.
+  Stage 1 will create the new reviewed commit that Stage 3 imports.
+- The collection begins at `976277b03374`. It contains no role or Galaxy
+  metadata yet; Feature 0012 planning files belong to the independent parent
+  workspace repository.
+- The pipeline dependency manifests select these exact application-role
+  commits, which the collection bootstrap manifest must preserve:
+
+  - `rakestraw.seriatim` at
+    `e08c63c0b078658bdfa2d10a2e6e1e4f9372a075`
+  - `rakestraw.audita` at
+    `66ebea9a47ce82bfdbdc5e2855f3dfaaff8e2a16`
+  - `rakestraw.notarius` at
+    `14a38e04e35ef524d6a97fa7fb5a04981a0a2161`
+  - `rakestraw.scriptorium` at
+    `8b4c86e48e7d8655e479b26dc510bf01683a0c8f`
+  - `rakestraw.narratio` at
+    `292d8669e7aad5cfe80b0c469d22b6177e8cf0f1`
+
+- Collection dependencies remain `ansible.posix` 2.2.0 and
+  `community.general` 13.3.0.
+- The workspace `.venv` provides Ansible Core 2.21.3 and ansible-lint 26.8.0.
+  Invoke them through `.venv/bin` rather than assuming they are on `PATH`.
+- Git includes the `git subtree` command.
+- The local Ubuntu 26.04 proxy host supports passwordless noninteractive
+  `sudo`, as required by the existing role integration suites.
+- Network access is available for Galaxy dependencies and the pinned Git role
+  sources. Local immutable `file://` inputs from `assets/campaigns` and
+  `assets/narratio-prompts` remain available for integration testing.
+
+## Repository Scope
+
+- `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline` may change only its README to document the two
+  supported consumption forms. It remains authoritative for the role.
+- `ansible-collection-dnd` owns Galaxy and runtime metadata, the unified
+  bootstrap manifest, collection documentation, build exclusions, the
+  squashed pipeline-role subtree, and focused collection integration tests.
+- `ansible-workspace-dnd` may change only planning and status documents during
+  the final handoff stage.
+- The five standalone application roles, both asset repositories, all
+  application repositories, and `rakestraw-ansible` may be inspected but must
+  remain unchanged.
+
+## Stage 1: Document Standalone and Collection Consumption
+
+### Objective
+
+Make the authoritative pipeline role's README accurately describe both its
+standalone role name and its collection FQCN before taking the collection
+snapshot.
+
+### Required Policy Review
+
+Before beginning this stage, read:
+
+- `AGENTS.md`
+- `docs/orientation.md`
+- `docs/conventions.md`
+- `docs/ansible.md`
+
+### Preconditions
+
+- `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline` is clean at
+  `de1b191cd2b6895895d3915e7b453596994127cf`.
+- Feature 0012 is committed and records the standalone repository as the
+  authoritative role source.
+
+### Owning Repository
+
+`ansible-role-dnd-pipeline`
+
+### Required Changes
+
+1. Revise `README.md` so it no longer describes collection exposure only as a
+   future possibility.
+2. Retain the existing standalone installation and
+   `rakestraw.dnd_pipeline` invocation instructions.
+3. Add a concise collection-use path that names `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline` and
+   directs collection consumers to the collection repository's unified
+   bootstrap instructions. Do not duplicate the collection's complete build,
+   dependency, or subtree maintenance documentation here.
+4. Explain that this repository remains authoritative and the collection
+   carries a reviewed snapshot. Do not claim that a collection release has
+   been published or tagged.
+5. Make no changes to defaults, tasks, templates, metadata, dependency pins,
+   tests, or role behavior.
+
+### Validation
+
+Run from `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline`:
+
+```text
+git diff --check
+git diff -- README.md
+git status --short
+```
+
+Expected result: the diff is limited to accurate README wording, contains no
+whitespace errors, preserves the standalone instructions, and introduces no
+claim of an already published collection release.
+
+### Completion Criteria
+
+- Both role names and their distinct consumption contexts are documented.
+- No executable or dependency file changed.
+- The repository is ready to supply the exact commit for the subtree import.
+
+### Commit
+
+Commit intent: `Document standalone and collection pipeline usage`
+
+## Stage 2: Establish the Collection Foundation
+
+### Objective
+
+Create the valid, buildable collection metadata, reproducible dependency
+bootstrap, build policy, and operator documentation that will own the imported
+role.
+
+### Required Policy Review
+
+Before beginning this stage, read:
+
+- `AGENTS.md`
+- `docs/orientation.md`
+- `docs/conventions.md`
+- `docs/ansible.md`
+
+### Preconditions
+
+- Stage 1 is committed and its full pipeline-role commit hash is recorded.
+- `ansible-collection-dnd` is clean at its current `main` HEAD.
+- The exact application-role and collection dependency pins still match the
+  values in Starting State and Preconditions. Stop if a pin has changed.
+
+### Owning Repository
+
+`ansible-collection-dnd`
+
+### Required Changes
+
+1. Add `galaxy.yml` with:
+
+   - namespace `rakestraw`, name `dnd`, and development version `0.1.0`;
+   - `README.md`, Eric Rakestraw as author, `license: [CC0-1.0]`, a concise D&D
+     pipeline description, the tags `dnd`, `pipeline`, `transcript`, and
+     `processing`, repository URL
+     `https://gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/ansible-collection-dnd.git`, and
+     issue URL
+     `https://gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/ansible-collection-dnd/issues`;
+   - exact collection dependencies `ansible.posix: 2.2.0` and
+     `community.general: 13.3.0`; and
+   - `build_ignore` entries for the collection's `tests`, root `.gitignore`,
+     and the imported role's `.gitignore`, `ansible.cfg`, `collections`,
+     `requirements.yml`, and `tests` paths.
+
+2. Add `meta/runtime.yml` with only the native runtime requirement
+   `requires_ansible: ">=2.18.0"` and the normal YAML document marker.
+3. Add one root `requirements.yml` using Ansible's unified `roles:` and
+   `collections:` format. Copy the five Git sources, canonical installed role
+   names, and exact reviewed commit pins from the pipeline manifests. Include
+   the same exact two collection versions declared in `galaxy.yml`.
+4. Replace the placeholder README with concise documentation covering:
+
+   - purpose, Ubuntu 26.04 support, and the `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline` FQCN;
+   - the unified `ansible-galaxy install -r requirements.yml` bootstrap;
+   - collection build and local artifact installation with `--no-deps` after
+     bootstrap;
+   - a minimal FQCN play example;
+   - the distinction between development commit pins and future released role
+     tags; and
+   - exact `git subtree add` and `git subtree pull --squash` maintenance
+     examples using `roles/pipeline` and
+     `https://gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/ansible-role-dnd-pipeline.git`.
+
+5. Make the subtree documentation explicit that role changes originate in
+   `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline`; collection maintainers import a reviewed commit
+   and do not edit the snapshot directly.
+6. Extend `.gitignore` only as needed to keep locally built `*.tar.gz`
+   collection artifacts untracked. The documented/tested workflow should
+   still build into a temporary output directory.
+7. Do not create a wrapper role, placeholder role, sync script, lock file,
+   generated manifest, release automation, or publication configuration.
+
+### Validation
+
+Run from `ansible-collection-dnd`:
+
+```text
+build_dir=$(mktemp -d)
+trap 'rm -rf -- "$build_dir"' EXIT
+../.venv/bin/ansible-galaxy collection build --output-path "$build_dir"
+test -f "$build_dir/rakestraw-dnd-0.1.0.tar.gz"
+git diff --check
+git status --short
+```
+
+Expected result: Ansible recognizes and builds collection version `0.1.0`
+without metadata errors, the expected archive is created outside the
+repository, and only the planned collection foundation files have changed.
+The artifact does not yet need to contain the pipeline role.
+
+### Completion Criteria
+
+- The collection has valid Galaxy and runtime metadata.
+- The root requirements file exactly reproduces both existing dependency
+  manifests in unified form.
+- The README gives a complete source-consumer and maintainer workflow without
+  claiming a published release.
+- No role code exists in or has been copied into the collection yet.
+
+### Commit
+
+Commit intent: `Establish the D&D collection foundation`
+
+## Stage 3: Import the Authoritative Pipeline Role
+
+### Objective
+
+Create the self-contained `roles/pipeline` collection role through one
+provenance-bearing squashed subtree import of the Stage 1 commit.
+
+### Required Policy Review
+
+Before beginning this stage, read:
+
+- `AGENTS.md`
+- `docs/orientation.md`
+- `docs/conventions.md`
+- `docs/ansible.md`
+
+### Preconditions
+
+- Stages 1 and 2 are committed and validated.
+- Both `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline` and `ansible-collection-dnd` are clean.
+- `roles/pipeline` does not exist.
+- The exact Stage 1 pipeline commit is available from the sibling repository.
+
+### Owning Repository
+
+`ansible-collection-dnd`
+
+### Required Changes
+
+1. From the collection repository, capture and inspect the full Stage 1
+   pipeline HEAD, then import exactly that commit with:
+
+   ```text
+   pipeline_commit=$(git -C ../ansible-role-dnd-pipeline rev-parse HEAD)
+   git subtree add --prefix=roles/pipeline ../ansible-role-dnd-pipeline "$pipeline_commit" --squash
+   ```
+
+2. Retain the standard subtree-generated provenance commit and trailers. Do
+   not replace the import with a manual copy, submodule, symbolic link, wrapper
+   role, or custom synchronization record.
+3. Do not edit, remove, or reformat any file beneath `roles/pipeline`. Files
+   excluded from the built artifact remain in source so the imported snapshot
+   stays faithful to the authoritative repository.
+4. Do not change collection-owned metadata merely to hide an unexpected import
+   result. Stop and report a mismatch between the roadmap, Stage 2 build policy,
+   and the actual role source.
+
+### Validation
+
+Run from `ansible-collection-dnd` immediately after the subtree command:
+
+```text
+diff -ru --exclude=.git ../ansible-role-dnd-pipeline roles/pipeline
+../.venv/bin/python -c 'import pathlib, yaml; root = yaml.safe_load(pathlib.Path("requirements.yml").read_text()); role = yaml.safe_load(pathlib.Path("roles/pipeline/requirements.yml").read_text()); collections = yaml.safe_load(pathlib.Path("roles/pipeline/collections/requirements.yml").read_text()); assert root["roles"] == role["roles"]; assert root["collections"] == collections["collections"]'
+build_dir=$(mktemp -d)
+trap 'rm -rf -- "$build_dir"' EXIT
+../.venv/bin/ansible-galaxy collection build --output-path "$build_dir"
+tar -tf "$build_dir/rakestraw-dnd-0.1.0.tar.gz" > "$build_dir/files.txt"
+grep -Fx 'roles/pipeline/tasks/main.yml' "$build_dir/files.txt"
+! grep -Eq '^roles/pipeline/(tests/|ansible.cfg$|collections/|requirements.yml$|\.gitignore$)' "$build_dir/files.txt"
+git status --short
+git log -2 --format=fuller
+```
+
+Expected result: source and imported role trees are byte-for-byte equivalent
+apart from Git metadata; both dependency sections match their authoritative
+pipeline manifests; the archive contains the pipeline task entry point but no
+imported development fixtures or nested manifests; and Git records the
+standard squashed subtree provenance. The collection working tree is clean
+because the subtree command created the import commit.
+
+### Completion Criteria
+
+- `roles/pipeline` is an exact snapshot of the Stage 1 pipeline commit.
+- The collection artifact is self-contained for the pipeline role.
+- Build exclusions affect only the artifact and have not mutated the source
+  snapshot.
+- The dependency bootstrap remains consistent with the imported role.
+
+### Commit
+
+Commit intent: retain the standard commit created by `git subtree add`; do not
+create a second manual import commit.
+
+## Stage 4: Validate the Installed Collection Boundary
+
+### Objective
+
+Add one lean integration path that proves the built artifact, unified
+dependency bootstrap, FQCN resolution, representative native configuration,
+and clean repeated convergence.
+
+### Required Policy Review
+
+Before beginning this stage, read:
+
+- `AGENTS.md`
+- `docs/orientation.md`
+- `docs/conventions.md`
+- `docs/ansible.md`
+- `docs/testing.md`
+
+### Preconditions
+
+- Stage 3 is committed and validated.
+- `ansible-collection-dnd` is clean.
+- The workspace `.venv`, passwordless `sudo`, and both local asset
+  repositories are available.
+- No developer-global Ansible installation may satisfy the test's role or
+  collection dependencies.
+
+### Owning Repository
+
+`ansible-collection-dnd`
+
+### Required Changes
+
+1. Add `tests/inventory` for local connection and `tests/converge.yml` whose
+   only role invocation is `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline`.
+2. Add an executable `tests/integration` shell driver consistent with the
+   standalone role repositories. It must:
+
+   - use `set -euo pipefail`, locate the repository and workspace `.venv`
+     without assuming the caller's working directory, and create one private
+     `mktemp -d` root with cleanup on exit;
+   - set `ANSIBLE_ROLES_PATH` and `ANSIBLE_COLLECTIONS_PATH` exclusively to
+     directories beneath that temporary root, without appending the workspace,
+     sibling repositories, or user-global paths;
+   - run the unified `ansible-galaxy install -r requirements.yml` with those
+     environment paths so both dependency sections are exercised;
+   - build `rakestraw-dnd-0.1.0.tar.gz` into the temporary root and install that
+     artifact into the isolated collection path with `--no-deps` because the
+     unified bootstrap has already installed its exact dependencies;
+   - confirm the archive includes the pipeline task entry point and excludes
+     the development-only subtree paths selected in `build_ignore`;
+   - run syntax checking and production-profile ansible-lint against
+     `tests/converge.yml` only after the isolated dependencies and artifact are
+     installed;
+   - derive immutable local asset revisions from `assets/campaigns` and
+     `assets/narratio-prompts`, pass their `file://` URLs and revisions through
+     the pipeline's public variables, and use the same syntactically valid
+     local WhisperX URL and distinctive synthetic credential values as the
+     standalone suite;
+   - apply the collection role without contacting WhisperX or any model
+     provider;
+   - use the installed applications' native interfaces for one representative
+     assembled validation: Seriatim reports a version, Audita validates its
+     configuration, Notarius validates `dnd-session`, Scriptorium resolves a
+     deployed prompt or profile through its configured roots, and Narratio
+     validates one deployed campaign;
+   - immediately apply the identical play and variables a second time, capture
+     its play recap, and require `changed=0` and `failed=0`; and
+   - remove only its temporary root during cleanup.
+
+3. Keep the test at this packaging boundary. Do not add alternate-version,
+   mapping-composition, invalid-secret, human-operator, ACL, profile-matrix,
+   or exhaustive artifact tests already owned by the standalone suite.
+4. Do not assert current default values, task names or order, individual task
+   results, module behavior, complete rendered files, or exact manifest
+   contents. The small archive inclusion/exclusion check is permitted because
+   packaged content is behavior owned specifically by this feature.
+5. Do not place real credentials in the test, logs, inventory, or repository.
+   Native configuration checks must remain offline.
+
+### Validation
+
+Run from the workspace root:
+
+```text
+bash -n ansible-collection-dnd/tests/integration
+ansible-collection-dnd/tests/integration
+ansible-role-dnd-pipeline/tests/integration
+git -C ansible-collection-dnd diff --check
+git -C ansible-role-dnd-pipeline status --short
+```
+
+Expected result: the collection driver builds and installs only the declared
+artifact and dependencies into isolated paths, resolves the FQCN, passes every
+native application check, and reports a clean immediate repeat. The existing
+standalone suite also passes, and the authoritative pipeline repository
+remains clean after testing.
+
+### Completion Criteria
+
+- The source collection cannot accidentally satisfy its own FQCN or
+  dependencies through workspace or user-global Ansible paths.
+- One representative installed-artifact deployment and every selected native
+  check pass without external service calls.
+- The repeat application reports `changed=0` and `failed=0`.
+- The standalone pipeline integration suite remains green.
+- The test suite contains no implementation snapshots or duplicated feature
+  matrix.
+
+### Commit
+
+Commit intent: `Test the assembled D&D collection`
+
+## Stage 5: Record the Implementation Handoff
+
+### Objective
+
+Record the completed implementation stages and leave every changed repository
+clean for independent review without marking the feature complete.
+
+### Required Policy Review
+
+Before beginning this stage, read:
+
+- `AGENTS.md`
+- `docs/orientation.md`
+- `docs/conventions.md`
+- `docs/planning.md`
+
+### Preconditions
+
+- Stages 1 through 4 are committed and all validation has passed.
+- `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline` and `ansible-collection-dnd` are clean.
+- Full commit hashes for every implementation commit, including the subtree
+  provenance commit, have been recorded.
+
+### Owning Repository
+
+`ansible-workspace-dnd`
+
+### Required Changes
+
+1. Change Feature 0012's roadmap status from `ready` to `in_progress`; do not
+   mark it `done` before independent review.
+2. Update `docs/status.md` so M1-04 and F0012 remain `in_progress`, the current
+   focus is independent implementation review, and the evidence names the
+   resulting pipeline and collection commit hashes.
+3. Replace this document's Progress Notes placeholder with one concise entry
+   per completed stage, including repository and commit hash. Record any
+   deviation from the plan; write `none` if there were no deviations.
+4. Do not create or modify `docs/roadmap/remediation.md`; independent review
+   owns remediation findings.
+
+### Validation
+
+Run from the workspace root:
+
+```text
+git diff --check
+./scripts/status
+git status --short
+git -C ansible-role-dnd-pipeline status --short
+git -C ansible-collection-dnd status --short
+```
+
+Expected result: only the intended workspace progress documents are pending in
+the parent repository; both implementation repositories are clean; status
+points reviewers to concrete commits; and the feature remains `in_progress`.
+
+### Completion Criteria
+
+- Every stage and deviation is recorded concisely.
+- Workspace status requests independent review and does not claim completion.
+- No remediation document was preemptively created.
+- The workspace change is ready for its own commit.
+
+### Commit
+
+Commit intent: `Record the Feature 0012 implementation`
+
+## Final Validation and Handoff
+
+- Confirm the successful Stage 4 logs include collection build and isolated
+  installation, FQCN syntax resolution, every selected native application
+  check, and the clean repeat recap.
+- Run `./scripts/status` and confirm the workspace,
+  `ansible-role-dnd-pipeline`, and `ansible-collection-dnd` are clean after the
+  Stage 5 commit. All repositories outside those three must remain unchanged.
+- Report the Stage 1 pipeline commit, the Stage 2 collection foundation commit,
+  the Stage 3 subtree import commit, the Stage 4 collection test commit, and
+  the Stage 5 workspace handoff commit.
+- Summarize any deviations, unresolved findings, and deferred release work.
+- Report any implementation complexity beyond native collection metadata, one
+  unified requirements manifest, the standard subtree import, and the focused
+  integration driver, together with the acceptance criterion that required it.
+- Do not push commits and do not mark Feature 0012 `done`; implementation
+  results require independent review first.
+
+## Progress Notes
+
+No stages have been executed.
diff --git a/docs/roadmap/mvp.md b/docs/roadmap/mvp.md
index c2c99c4..64802eb 100644
--- a/docs/roadmap/mvp.md
+++ b/docs/roadmap/mvp.md
@@ -106,6 +106,13 @@ role will manage the native configuration needed to connect to it.
 - The collection bundles and exposes the independently developed suite-level
   role as `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline`, providing one opinionated interface for
   consumers.
+- The collection incorporates the pipeline role at `roles/pipeline` as a
+  squashed Git subtree. The standalone pipeline repository remains
+  authoritative; maintainers change and validate the role there, then import
+  a reviewed commit into the collection rather than editing the subtree copy.
+- The subtree makes the collection artifact self-contained for its bundled
+  role without requiring submodule initialization, symbolic links, sibling
+  repositories, or custom synchronization tooling.
 - The pipeline role owns compatible application-version selection,
   cross-application configuration, D&D campaign deployment, prompt-library
   deployment, operator access, the pipeline-wide secret-delivery policy, and
@@ -135,6 +142,10 @@ role will manage the native configuration needed to connect to it.
   collection dependencies. During active development, the Git roles are
   pinned to reviewed commits; released manifests replace those commits with
   immutable role release tags.
+- The collection supplies one consumer-facing root `requirements.yml` that
+  combines those same Git-hosted role pins with the shared collection
+  dependencies. Its Galaxy metadata separately declares the native collection
+  dependencies that Ansible can resolve while installing a collection.
 - The pipeline role composes the five roles through ordinary Ansible role
   dependency metadata. It exposes suite-prefixed variables for the small set
   of values the suite must coordinate, and does not duplicate every downstream
@@ -179,6 +190,11 @@ application-role releases in one source repository.
 - Collection integration tests must install and exercise the same pinned role
   combination delivered to consumers, starting from an environment in which
   the dependencies are not already installed.
+- Collection integration tests build and install the collection artifact into
+  isolated Ansible paths, resolve `rakestraw.dnd.pipeline`, validate one
+  representative assembled deployment through native application interfaces,
+  and confirm immediate convergence. Detailed pipeline feature matrices remain
+  the standalone pipeline role's testing responsibility.
 - Updating one application role in the suite requires updating its pinned
   version in the collection, validating the assembled suite, and releasing a
   new collection version. Unrelated application-role repositories remain
@@ -396,9 +412,5 @@ managed host. The prompt-library checkout retains its upstream `prompts/` and
 
 The following areas require investigation and decisions before implementation:
 
-- The mechanism used to incorporate the independently developed pipeline role
-  into collection releases
 - Optional suite-level operator-selection and group-membership management
 - Upgrade, downgrade, and removal behavior
-- Collection bootstrap and end-to-end validation details beyond the locked
-  dependency and testing policies above
diff --git a/docs/status.md b/docs/status.md
index f3da8ce..33aa958 100644
--- a/docs/status.md
+++ b/docs/status.md
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 # Workspace Status
 
-Last updated: 2026-09-16
+Last updated: 2026-09-17
 
 Current milestone: M1-04 collection assembly
 
-Current focus: Select the next unit of work; collection assembly is proposed.
+Current focus: Review the Feature 0012 staged implementation plan.
 
 | ID | Deliverable | Owner | State | Evidence or next step |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Current focus: Select the next unit of work; collection assembly is proposed.
 | M1-01 | Remaining MVP design decisions | workspace | done | Feature 0003 roadmap fixes the Notarius configuration interface |
 | M1-02 | Standalone application roles | role repositories | done | All five standalone roles implemented and independently reviewed |
 | M1-03 | Suite-level pipeline role | ansible-role-dnd-pipeline | done | Features 0006 through 0011 completed through remediation commit `de1b191` |
-| M1-04 | Collection assembly | ansible-collection-dnd | proposed | Select and implement the pipeline-role incorporation mechanism |
+| M1-04 | Collection assembly | ansible-collection-dnd | in_progress | Review Feature 0012 and prepare its implementation plan |
 | F0001 | Install Seriatim from pinned source | ansible-role-seriatim | done | Implementation, integration coverage, and final remediation completed through `fb8dc41` |
 | F0002 | Install and configure Audita | ansible-role-audita | done | Field-specific configuration completed in `e61f02f` and `847c4c3`; full suite passed |
 | F0003 | Install and configure Notarius | ansible-role-notarius | done | Implemented and validated through remediation commit `eb4f511` |
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ Current focus: Select the next unit of work; collection assembly is proposed.
 | F0009 | Establish shared pipeline filesystem and execution | configuration-bearing application roles and ansible-role-dnd-pipeline | done | Implemented and independently reviewed through remediation commit `b15fe8d` |
 | F0010 | Integrate D&D Notarius extraction | ansible-role-notarius and ansible-role-dnd-pipeline | done | Implemented and independently reviewed through remediation commit `bbf01e1` |
 | F0011 | Deliver pipeline credentials and Notarius reuse | ansible-role-narratio and ansible-role-dnd-pipeline | done | Implemented and independently reviewed through remediation commit `de1b191` |
+| F0012 | Assemble the D&D collection | ansible-collection-dnd and ansible-role-dnd-pipeline | ready | Review `docs/roadmap/implementation.md`, then begin the implementation sprint |
 | A0001 | Audit completed standalone-role test suites | workspace and standalone roles | done | Findings recorded in `docs/roadmap/test-suite-audit-findings.md` |
 | R0001 | Simplify completed standalone-role test suites | workspace and standalone roles | done | Role commits `e08c63c`, `d2d0b9d`, and `cfecf37` passed implementation and independent review |