If I would pose a new Idea I would have a form of Light Custom Character such as 3 body shapes for 2 genders so (Default male/female, Powerful male/female, lithe male/female, obese male/female) for example. then maybe some hair that comes under the helmet or not and then the color of the glow or effect they have, maybe even the focus of power in the beginning such as toward demonic (fire) mystical (water) combat (browns) thief (greens) so that the overlord themselves has a connection with the minions they have focused toward if they want more power toward one then the others. or generalist. maybe upon beating the game, you unlock some extra powers to start on the next time you play like necromancy/clerical magic.
Regards, mobdro
tubemate