I'm voting for the western convention, too. I don't think it will ruin immersion. As for the muses.<br/><br/><br/>Calliope is the Muse of Epic Poetry. She was also the mother of Orpheus, which is a nice little shoutout to P3 by including her. " According to the Greek poet Hesiod, Calliope is the most important of the nine Muses because she "attends on worshipful princes." She is usually depicted wearing a gold crown and carrying a writing tablet, a scroll, or a book in her hand." A modern day incarnation may b a rabble-rousing artist? (thoughts welcome, what they represent is fairly open to dozens of interpretations).<br/><br/>Clio, the Muse of History. " As the "proclaimer, glorifier, and celebrator of history, great deeds, and accomplishments," she is the namesake for various modern brands including the Clio Awards for excellence in advertising,". I imagine her as the sort of nerdy-dorky-geeky trifecta, surrounded by books, always carrying a notepad around, writing down quotations, sketching out scenes; recording.<br/><br/>Erato, perhaps the Patron Muse of Elliquiy, covers lyric poetry, and especially, erotic poetry. Some times depicted as keeping company with Cupid and/or Eros. An idea occurs to me that maybe each of our characters has a tie to a certain Muse; my character, who enjoys writing poetry and songs, would naturally gravitate towards her. An idea for where she may be hiding, given the company she keeps: Being kept imprisoned by either Jealousy (who is, of course, jealous), or Adultery (given the erotic, sensual, and romantic natures of Erato, Ero, and Cupid).<br/><br/>Euterpe, The Giver of Delight, "was the Muse of music and was known to entertain the gods on Mount Olympus. She inspired poets, authors, and dramatists." Maybe, at the start of the game, she's free; maybe the only free Muse left? And she reaches out to our band of delinquents, because our characters have that quintessential "spark" that makes them protagonists.  She could remain as a mostly neutered but supportive character (maybe offering direction in the Metaverse?), or could even be kidnapped at some point--presumably after our characters have had a chance to get to know her--and seeing her kidnapping, being too weak to stop it; that could both introduce the Big Bad, as well as make things personal, giving the characters greater motivations to improve themselves.<br/><br/>Melpomene was the Muse of singing, but later on, she became more closely associated with classical Tragedy plays.  No ideas immediately come to mind with what to do with her.<br/><br/>Polyhymnia is the Muse of sacred hymns, as well as meditation, and even geometry. Very serious-minded. Maybe she was the first to be corrupted, and by the time the other Muses realized their so-so-serious sister had been compromised, it was too late? Maybe have a sort of holy roller/evangelist vibe to her 'dungeon'?<br/><br/>Terpsichore is the Muse of dancing. Again, nothing instantly springs to my mind.<br/><br/>Thalia is the Muse of comedy. Maybe her dungeon is a stand up comedy club, but all the comedians are terrible (and shadows)? For a change of pace, maybe it's a 'puzzle' dungeon, where the players don't have to just slaughter every shadow in their way, but instead have to; do a good comedy skit? Maybe? Something to jostle Thalia into remembering what she really stands for.<br/><br/>Ourania is the Muse of astronomy  and astronomical writing, "is the Muse of astronomy and astronomical writings. She is said to be able to tell the future by the arrangement of the stars." Another idea occurs; instead of Euterpe being the last free Muse, maybe it's Ourania. She could fulfill a role similar to Futaba, tactical analysis and guidance, through her divination.<br/><br/>...Well, I know it's mostly ramblings, but hopefully there's something good hidden in there. Thoughts?