Create: Backpackage

A Create addon mod that adds cardboard backpacks fitting the Create aesthetic. Because every Create pack uses Sophisticated Storage: Backpacks, why not integrate backpacks into Create's own cardboard and package system?

Core Concept

Create-themed cardboard backpacks with modular upgrade system. Wearable (via Curios) and placeable as blocks, just like Sophisticated Backpacks.

No durability/fuel mechanics - those aren't fun. Once an upgrade is installed, it just works.

Upgrade System

The backpack has upgrade slots that accept different contraption upgrades:

1. Magnet Upgrade

• Basic item pickup/collection
• Recipe ideas: Electron Tube + Copper?

2. Void Upgrade

• Voids excess items
• Recipe: Brass Tunnel (consumes glue durability) + Lava Bucket (consumes lava, returns bucket)
• Very Create-authentic - teaches players Create mechanics through the recipe

3. Crafting Upgrade

• Full 3x3 crafting grid (like a crafting table)
• Auto-crafting and compression (2x2, nugget/ingot/block conversions)
• Recipe: Mechanical Press involved?

4. Linked Upgrade

• This is the killer feature
• Recipe: Packager + Frogport + Storage Link + Glue
• Taps into Create's logistics network
• Works with Create Storage (player's in-game name as delivery address)
• When in range of your chain transit network, the backpack's frogport retrieves packages sent via the network
• Essentially: remote base access while exploring

Note: Frogport is in base Create, not New Age (New Age is the electricity addon)

Storage Sizing

Base backpack needs at least the same amount of slots as a package

Tier Ideas

• Cardboard: 1 upgrade slot
• Reinforced Cardboard: (maybe stack max increase), 2 upgrade slots
• Industrial Cardboard: (more stack max increase?) 3-4 upgrade slots

Progression through Create's material chain (basic cardboard → reinforced → brass-bound or something).

Technical Notes

Platform

• NeoForge for Minecraft 1.21.1
• Create as dependency
• Curios API for wearable slot

Recipe Philosophy

• Use Create's existing items and mechanics
• Recipes should teach Create mechanics (like the void upgrade using brass tunnel + glue durability)
• Fit into Create's progression naturally

Visual Design

• Cardboard aesthetic matching Create's existing cardboard armor (the packages are soooooooo cute)
• Worn, taped-together boxes on the player's back
• Distinct from Sophisticated Storage's clean leather look

Development TODO

• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Set up basic backpack item
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Implement inventory/container system
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Make it wearable (Curios integration)
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Make it placeable as block
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Implement upgrade slot system
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Create individual upgrades
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Design and implement recipes
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Textures and models
• <input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox" /> Test with Create's logistics network

Why This Mod?

Every single Create pack, even small ones, includes Sophisticated Storage just for backpacks. There's clearly demand for portable storage in Create-heavy environments. A native Create solution that:

1. Fits the aesthetic
2. Integrates with Create's systems (especially the linked upgrade)
3. Uses Create's existing items/mechanics

Future Expansion Ideas

• More upgrade types?
• Interaction with other Create systems (fluid storage?)
• Cosmetic upgrades (labels, paint, tape patterns)?
• Advanced logistics features building on the linked upgrade?

Keep it focused initially - get the core four upgrades working well before expanding.