Immersive Ink

Tass puts the 2 oil flasks offered by Thanis in his pack. "I'm going to need a few more of these anyone else have oil?"

I'm happy to assume that a) lantern oil is a kerosene analog (i.e., inflammable), and b) the party has enough of it to get a fire going in a few of lumber piles and still have some left over for later.

Let's say you'll need one flask of oil to get a lumber pile going slowly, or two flasks to really get it racing.
Getting two piles roaring in a hurry will make more light and will be harder to put out.
Getting four piles going slowly will make more smoke, but each individual fire would be easier to put out (if it was attended in time).

I was thinking of 4 flasks split on 2 different piles spread out a bit... My plan was to add the accelerant in 2 places first then spark one and race to the other and spark that then run away.

sorry for lack of replies folks, currently on holiday.
I am on board with the plan to use a fire to distract some guards!
Splitting between two piles would be great if we have the oil to do so.

Tass sketches out the area and points to where he will start the fires and fills in the details about where they should head in the confusion. "Wraislin I'm going to need that flask of oil you have your pack for this to work" Once he has all 4 oils he is ready to sneak down. "You'll know when to start moving. If it all goes wrong we should probably meet head back out side to bridge."

Looking through the sheets it looks like Wraislin has the only other flask of oil so with his and mine we get to 4...

Stern cautions, "The harpies might come to investigate the smoke, so it's important to get indoors, or underground, as quickly as possible. If we have to fight the guards, don't get caught in the open. Try to draw the battle under cover of buildings, archways, tunnels. Tass, if you hear flapping wings, hide!"

How is Tass planning to start the fires?
Chipping away with flint and steel at each of four fires, one after the other... that might take a while. People would be investigating the first fire while Tass is still trying to light the second.

I thought 2 ignition points - with the spreading of 2 flasks of oil at each point. I thought spreading the oil at each point first. Then returning to the first one and starting the fire, lighting a candle off it and carefully moving to the second one with the candle protected and lighting that. Then blowing out the candle and getting the heck out of there. It's not a great plan but it's all I got it.

What about lighting a torch, lantern, or firesticks before you head off and carrying it with you? Then it will take mere moments to light each fire from the flame you already have.