Firefriend (3.5e Monster)

''This large insect is covered in a dull black and brown carapace. A surprisingly bright glow seems to radiate from its abdomen.''

Summary::Firefriends are an extraplanar race of insects native to the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Radiance, though they sometimes find their way to the Material Plane. They bear a strong resemblance to mundane fireflies, though the two are only distantly related. Their abdomens are capable of producing a dull to bright glow, which they use primarily as a defensive mechanism and to attract mates.

Though their intelligence is limited by human standards, firefriends are capable of speech and enjoy both telling and listening to stories of all varieties and are thus naturally drawn towards bards and other storytellers. They are especially fond of tales of heroics and daring-do. They befriend other creatures willingly enough, provided they are treated kindly, and are very loyal to those they associate with; a firefriend considers companions to be a part of its family.

A firefriend measures 3-1/2 feet long and weighs roughly 50 pounds. They speak Common and their own dialect consisting of chirps and chittering sounds called Chitterling.

Combat
A firefriend prefers to avoid combat if at all possible. It will use its light beam to disorient its foes and then attempt to flee; if it is unable to do so or if its allies are in danger, it will bite at its foes and keep the beam directed at as many of them as possible.

Bioluminescence (Ex): A firefriend's body naturally emits a glow that provides bright illumination out to a radius of 30 feet and shadowy illumination out to a radius of 60 feet. The firefriend can end or resume this ability or intensify it (see light beam, below) as a free action once per round.

Light Beam (Ex): As a free action, a firefriend can intensify the brightness of its natural glow and concentrate it into a smaller but more effective beam. The beam provides bright illumination in a 60-foot cone. In addition, any creatures caught in the area must make a DC 16 Fortitude save or be dazzled for 1 minute. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Firefriends as Familiars
A firefriend is an appropriate familiar for a 7th-level or higher arcane spellcaster with the Improved Familiar feat.