maybe I should go with a different way taking the problem form elder scrolls for example elder scrolls approach with soon portals going to abyss will open and the first three heroes that were summoned were as follows.

the robin hood type character

A werewolf Lord that went out and had taken over a dwarf hold. And now there is a rumour of him made some sort of deal with the succubus queen. who is apposite at his side. As he is atracting many types of best men to this hold. and he is enoring summons form the church to answer for these charges. With the high presstess of Weejas makeing snide remaks about how, he is over reacting.

third one a Lich told them "Screw you guys I am finding a way home." And teleported away. before the archmage of Normandy was assassinated he apparently has been makeing a base of power and building an army of undead and constructs.