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:

Fits the aesthetic
Integrates with Create's systems (especially the linked upgrade)
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.