The problem of javelin re-supply: discus

[Paul]

I am sure I remember references to dark age troops carrying two or three Javelins as well as either a heavier spear or a sidearm of some sort. I can't recall where I read this as it was probably about 30-40 years ago but "warrior" graves, when found, normally have two or three "javelins" and the "Battle of Maldon" Poem does mention a single man throwing two of them in quick succession.
[EDIT: Yes it was the man himself Ealdorman Brythnoth who threw two javelins, one after the other, at the same man ]

[grizzlymc]

Every so often a fellow more courageous than the rest will advance and throw a spear. Normally he will flash his arse before running back out of range before a clatter of spears land where he was. If he is a bit slow, there is mirth on both sides and the victim is taken off to the witch doctor (or the white geologist with a medical kit).

This can go on all day, with enemy spears being recovered and thrown back.

Presumably whoever draws the short straw gets to retrieve the ones forcibly - but hilariously - implanted in "courageous but slow" guy's buttocks?

Nah, a group of them rush forward and carry him to the rear. The head is fire hardened wood barbs, so you cut the thing short and just push it out, hoping you hit nothing vital on the way. If he survives having it pushed out, the blood is clear and clean, and he seems chipper, you clean the wound, apply antibiotic powder and rest him down. The witch doctor had a simillar procdure, but the boys seemed to think I was a better bet.

[levied troop]

Would you choose to have a chucking weapon which you couldn't afford to easily replace?

That. I tend to add a spare javelin into the left/shield hand of any ancient skirmish figures and sometimes a sack/quiver where it seems suitable.

I can’t recall any writing on the subject and all my ancients books have gone to the great secondhand shop in the sky but it seems very logical that you’d carry two or three into the front line for chucking and then dip back quickly into the rear ranks to pick up another two or three, probably off a handy slave, and return to the front line to chuck them. The idea of lugging 20 into the front line and laying down 19 ready to be picked up seems to me to be too risky, I think the point of spear chuckers is to be quick and nimble. Not to stand there and keep on firing.

Simulating in rules? If you really need to, then the ‘Billhooks’ approach of allowing a set number of throws for a skirmish unit - marked off with a suitable dice marker - would seem sufficient.

[Paul]

Simulating in rules?

I'm not keen about having markers on a unit/figure unless absolutely necessary. For ammo supply I prefer to have a preliminary dice roll prior to every shot after the first to determine if they're supplied. So a slow reload weapon, like a crossbow might need to get a 4 on a D6 to shoot but a more limited supply weapon might need a 5 or even a 6.