Greetings!
Well, in designing the Field-Pack of Wonder, I simply thought of the essentials that a powerful, wealthy empire, with an ancient, loyal order of wizards at the emperor's service, would do. Feeding an army, especially an army in the field, is a large problem. It's all very well and good for an order of wizards to make up magic wands that shoot fire, lightning, and do many other things, but waht about something simple, and extremely valuable, like a Field-Pack of Wonder? There is already several antecedents within the books, too. There is a travelling cloak that does much the same thing, and Myrland's Spoon. Thus, I thought of something a bit more mundanely accessible for a hardened soldier from the country to get a hold of, and at the same time, well, fond memories just demanded it!
In addition, since the Vallorean Empire is stable, powerful, wealthy, and united, it isn't beyond the power of the Emperor to set up programs where the order of wizards can undertake long-range research programs. In addition, as part of the deal for Imperial patronage, protection, and many other perks, the order of wizards devotes about two months or so of research time from each member to work on state projects. These projects include Field-Packs of Wonder, magic armour, weapons, what have you. Thus, somewhere, there are groups of wizards literally working on state-sponsored projects 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The wizards work in shifts, and also use magic and approved herbal and alchemical potions and treatments, to not only enhance their performance in performing their duties, but also to remain awake and at full strength. They are compensated well for such labours, and they are also devoted to the empire, so the empire continues to be abundantly and awesomely equipped with whatever magic items and gadgets that the emperor desires.
The priests of the Vallorean Pantheon have a similar arrangement, and they often collaborate with the Imperial Wizards on various projects together, to make items that combine spell-effects for example. This continued production of such magical arsenals allows the empire to remain strong, and supremely powerful. This prowess then allows for the Imperial Legions to either outnumber, outfight, or simply over-power their enemies into annihilation. This process allows the Vallorean Empire to dominate utterly it's enemies, and to dominate trade markets, and deeply exploit various areas for vast natural resources. This vast power, of course, in natural resources, conquered peoples, and new converts for the faith, all combine and return to the emperor's hand as he maintains rule. From his hand, then, flows the gratitude and favour back to the wizards and priests, who then, being more powerful and wealthy than they could ever be by themselves, continue to support and strengthen the Vallorean System.
To conquered peoples, once they submit and are crushed, they too who convert to the "One True Faith" are also brought into the embrace of the glory, the power, and the wealth of the Vallorean System. Rinse, recycle, repeat. Thus, there are plenty of incentives for foreign peoples to bow down to the power and the glory that is Vallorea!
That is how the Vallorean Legions can be so lavishly equipped with things that lesser armies cannot even concieve of. There are manuevers, and tactics that the enemies of Vallorea cannot begin to grasp; There are also problems and tribulations for the enemies of Vallorea that Vallorea has long ago solved, and developed solutions to, whether magical or mundane. Such luxury befits the greatest empire in the West, that has ruled with a sure hand for 2500 years.
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK
