Decay

Certain items dust when they become a certain age, dissapearing from the game completely. Each item dusts at a different age, and more expensive items last longer than cheaper ones. Items from the box edition of the game never dust.

The items that dust are swords (except the backsword), clothing (except the savvy hat), Paintbrushes, and badges (on doubloon oceans). A sword that has dusted will be replaced with a stick if the sword was the only one in your inventory when it dusted. Likewise, clothing that goes on your pirate's torso or legs will be replaced with rags if you have no like clothing items in your inventory.