Lost my character when logging out and logging in.

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I was playing DayZ last night, and I came across some fantastic items. I had the CZ sniper, a M249 SAW, and a G17. I also had the ALICE pack, and all sorts of other things. Mainly medical supplies. So I found a safe spot ontop of a fire station, and logged off. I logged on this morning to find that I was forced to make a new character. I don't know what caused this, but I couldn't try the respawn method, as the respawn button was removed. I tried other servers, but its the same thing. Can a dev look into my character?

My ingame name is: ^&

Please find out what happened, I don't wanna lose my things again.

[boxman80 964]

Rule number 1 of Day Z - DON'T GET ATTACHED TO YOUR GEAR!

Sorry for your loss bro!

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I know! I need to adjust to that rule, its just hard being a new player who is gunned down by Cherno snipers. I finally got the advantage on one. I felt accomplished. It sucked having it ripped away.