ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

I just noticed, again, that I lost an item for no apparent reason. It was an equipped artifact staff. In this case it was following a death. I exited with char in Eidolan Plane, and came back next day to find no weapon in hand and not in inventory. I'm wondering if anyone experiences this kind of thing? I've noticed a couple times previously, but am finally realizing it may be a thing. I haven't been watching for sequence of events, so no other info.

I sometimes think this happens to me when actually I hit 'q' by mistake and swapped to my off weapons, which as a mage very well might be empty. If it's not that no idea.

Wow. It is now explained I think that is way too easy to overlook for newbs, but after somebody points it out the first time you're good. So thanks!