Lose an item
 

Many of the cards that that under circumstances you will "lose an item". Could be because of bad stuff, could be because the monster you're up against states that you must discard one item before combat begins.

My question is this: Does this item have to be from those you have in play, or could it be an item in your hand that you haven't played yet for whatever reason?

Re: Lose an item
 

If it says "Lose an Item", it must be a card that is in play.

If it says "Discard a Card", then it may come from in play OR in your hand.

(I think)

Re: Lose an item
 

You think correctly. The rules should say something along the lines that if a card is in your hand, it doesn't count as anything, so if something refers to a Race or Class or Item, and so on, it must be in play to count.