ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

I am posting this here in case anyone else is having this problem. I am using beta 37. I am playing a Cornac Bulwork character. At various times the shield on my character just seems to mysteriously disappear. It once happened to his weapon. I am posting this here instead of the bug forum to see if anyone else has seen this. Is this a bug or what? I am in the very early game (Trollmire usually).

You probably switched weapon sets; trying hitting 'x' on your keyboard. Unfortunately there is no display for the alternate weapon set on the inventory screen.

Based on in-game chat, I think this is actually a very common issue.