Quote - > Quote - I've tried using the disp. map as a transparency map and putting a point/spotlight behind the coals, but the light doesn't seem to penetrate properly (and the transparency affects the appearance of the "bed of coals" to bad effect).

Select the "coals", and from it's Properties turn off 'Casts Shadow' the light should now shine through it, without turning the prop transparent to look at. As to the spot light itself, you may need to increase the 'Angle End' or even use several lights pointing in diffrent directions to get the light to spread over a wide enough area. You may also want to play with the 'Dist End' dial to make objects further from the fire look darker. If your having trouble getting a wide enough spread of light another thing you may like to try for the light is my "P5-Omni-12" available in the free stuff, but it's never been tested in P6, so you (don't pay your money) "and takes your chances".

I would think a point light would simulate a fire better than a spot light.  After all the light
from a real fire is omnidirectional.  It would seem also that if you used a point light you
wouldn't need several of them pointing in different directions like you would if you were
using spot lights.