Dulcitar

A dulcitar is a fictional musical instrument, primarily found in fantasy literature and role-playing games. It is often described as a hybrid instrument, typically combining features of a dulcimer and a sitar or guitar. The precise form and sound of a dulcitar are rarely explicitly defined and tend to vary depending on the author or game designer's vision.

Generally, a dulcitar is envisioned as possessing the body and resonating qualities of a dulcimer, often being a flat, oblong-shaped instrument played with hammers or picks. However, it also incorporates features reminiscent of the sitar or guitar, such as sympathetic strings, frets (though not always), and a longer neck. This combination hypothetically allows for a broader range of tones and playing styles than either instrument alone.

The term itself appears to be a portmanteau, blending the names of the instruments it supposedly resembles. Because of its fictional nature, no standardized construction or playing technique exists. Its purpose is mainly to evoke a sense of exoticism and otherworldliness within the narrative, suggesting a unique and possibly magical musical tradition.