private void fillRandomItems(String string, int amt, int index) {

		// fills a random item into the contents array
		switch (string) {
		case "gun":
			contents[index] = getRandomGun();
			break;
		case "sword":
			contents[index] = getRandomSword();
			break;
		case "item":
			contents[index] = getRandomItem();
			break;
		default:
			switch (random.nextInt(3)) {
			case 0:
				contents[index] = getRandomGun();
				break;
			case 1:
				contents[index] = getRandomSword();
				break;
			default:
				contents[index] = getRandomItem();
				break;
			}
		}

		// recursive case if more items need to be filled in the array
		if (amt > 1)
			fillRandomItems(string, amt - 1, index + 1);
	}