firebrand FAUNA — A salamander. Firebrand are large salamanders with purple tails and purple markings resembling flames along their backs. Approximately 3-4 inches in diameter at their widest point and 2-3 feet long, including their tails, firebrand are poisonous when eaten but otherwise harmless. They are believed to have descended from a mythical lizard-like creature that lived in fire and came out of the flames only to feed—also known as firebrand. Firebrand are considered good luck by many folken.