Minimalistix, really like the finished courtyard map.

Despite the awful flames, I prefer your post 6 map because of the colours.

In post 8/9, 9 looks much better (walls masked off from lighting). However the lighting is not very atmospheric because the lighting is white instead of reddish-orange, so the map does not feel 'hot' to me.

I did some fire maps for a commission a few years ago - I'll link some here to show you what I mean by 'hot' lighting. Also in these I used white-hot explosions (this sort of thing: Dundjinni Mapping Software - Forums: Explosions) to indicate motes of fire that cannot be passed. Your coals idea is cool too though.

http://www.cartographersguild.com/at...er-maps-d1.jpg
http://www.cartographersguild.com/at...er-maps-d2.jpg
http://www.cartographersguild.com/at...er-maps-d4.jpg
http://www.cartographersguild.com/at...er-maps-d5.jpg

Hope that helps.