So, I'm a new player, still working on playing through my first campaign.  Though new, I can tell it's something I'm going to enjoy; plus, my daughter likes to play (she started about 6 months ago, and started encouraging me to play with), so it gives us another thing to do together.  Given this, I've bought several guides to help me better understand the game and the rules, and hope to one day put my own campaign together...

I just received a copy of Volo's Guide to Monsters and had a couple of questions.  For many of the creatures within it will give very generic names for armor and/or weapons (breastplate, studded armor, greatsword, etc...).  I've also seen zero references to things like jewelry, gems, etc.. I also haven't seen any examples in the book where it lists a magical item, or a more "named" item.  So I'm wondering how I know what items these creatures should be dropping?  Is there another book to pair with this one that gives what item(s) specifically these monsters have?  Is it at the DM's discretion what they drop (meaning if it says breastplate or scimitar, I choose which breastplate or scimitar from the DM guide)?  The same with gems, coins, jewelry, etc... does the GM decide what drops these and the amounts?  Then, do higher level, named foes have specific items they drop?  If so, where would I find these?

Any and all guidance is appreciated.

-J

Thank you!  Had seen the DM Guide has a large treasure section, was curious if that might be the puzzle piece I'm missing.  My Volo and Player Handbook beat the rest of them here.  Believe the others are coming in tomorrow (love Amazon Sunday delivery...).

Again, appreciate the response.

-J

To answer some of your other questions:

• Creatures don't drop specific loot.
• There are not multiple versions of item types. All non-magic scimitars and breastplates are the same.
• Gems, jewels, fine art, and other forms of treasure is listed in DMG.
• "Named items" are magic items, and they are in DMG.