Adds balanced vanilla-style backpacks and an expandable scripted framework that allows backpacks to take damage from combat. Support other mods without the need for patches.
Other user's assetsAll the assets in this file belong to the author, or are from free-to-use modder's resources
Upload permissionYou are not allowed to upload this file to other sites under any circumstances
Modification permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to modify my files to improve it
Conversion permissionYou are not allowed to convert this file to work on other games under any circumstances
Asset use permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to use any of the assets in this file
Asset use permission in mods/files that are being soldYou are not allowed to use assets from this file in any mods/files that are being sold, for money, on Steam Workshop or other platforms
Asset use permission in mods/files that earn donation pointsYou are not allowed to earn Donation Points for your mods if they use my assets
Author notes
I give permission for any of my mods to be translated and uploaded to the Nexus. You do not need to ask me first. However, you may not redistribute the assets from this mod without first checking the original author's permissions, as I did not make them. For any other changes, please contact me first.
Please consider the following recommendations for translations:
1. Please clearly state the mod version of your translation and link back to the original file, so users can check they have an up-to-date version. 2. Do not change the name of any files, including the mod esp/esm files. This is because some other mods may search for the mod by name in their own scripts. 3. Also, do not translate or change the name of any options contained in INI files, since these are referenced by name in scripts too. However, you can freely change any instructions contained in INI files. 4. You can post your translated esp/esm files along with any of the original mod assets (if you get permission from the asset authors), and you do not need to ask for permission. However, please consider posting only the esp/esm file whenever possible, and requiring users to download the original file for the assets. This will allow the users to endorse the original file and contribute to downloads to help mod visibility. 5. If you find any scripted messages (created by the functions MessageEx ot MessageExAlt) that cannot be translated without editing the script, please contact me and I will move the message to a form instead.
File credits
dasmart88 for External Frame Backpack, from which the backpack models have been taken. AngryKarakuri for Alex's Backpack Mod, from which the different backpack texture variants were taken. Vegemit3 for the custom backpack icons.
Donation Points system
This mod is opted-in to receive Donation Points
Translations
No translation available on the Nexus
Changelogs
Version 2.0.1
Fixed Desperado Cowboy hats appearing on some NPCs.
Fixed female icons not appearing with the icons optional.
Version 2.0.0
Added INI customisation.
Added a backpack distribution framework (enabled by default).
Added expandable support for distribution and rebalancing of mod-added backpacks using ShowOff NVSE's JSON framework. Config files for most popular backpack mods are already included, and other backpack mods are easily configured. Notably, backpacks from Canvas backpacks remade will be automatically balanced and distributed.
Removed the JSawyer version of the mod, as it is now covered by INI options.
Removed the Canvas Backpacks Patch, as it is no longer required.
Better Balanced Backpacks (or BBB, an acronym I'm certain has never been used before) Requirements: Honest Hearts Lonesome Road xNVSE JIP LN NVSE Plugin ShowOff NVSE Plugin (optional)
Description
I've always liked the idea of backpacks in these sorts of games, but I've always disliked that: 1. the available backpack mods don't fit the aesthetics of the vanilla game, and 2. backpacks tend to be unbalanced, since they're essentially a free permanent carry weight boost.
Better Balanced Backpacks aims to fix that. It does several things:
Adds a set of craftable vanilla-friendly backpacks that can also be optionally distributed throughout the game.
Adds a framework that allows backpacks to take damage during combat, so that they need periodic repair.
Adds a framework to automatically work with backpacks added by other mods, optionally balancing and distributing those backpacks too.
More Information
New Backpacks
Spoiler:
Show
The new 'Wasteland' Backpacks can be obtained by crafting them at the campfire. They require Leather Belts, Tanned Gecko Hides, and Scrap Metal. Tanned Gecko Hides are required to add some sort of barrier-to-entry, and also get some more use out of the underused vanilla recipe. You can craft the different coloured versions by also having a Paint Gun. The backpacks are a smaller versions of the vanilla slave backpacks, and fit the game's desert/tribal subtheme quite well.
All backpacks have a carry weight bonus and an Agility debuff for balance. The INI file can be used to toggle a 'low carry weight' mode, intended for users of JSawyer or other hardcore mods, and also enable a JSawyer-style Sneak skill debuff instead of an Agility debuff.
Backpack Damage
Spoiler:
Show
In the vanilla game, only armour in the main equipment slots takes damage. Therefore, even though backpacks have condition assigned, there's no way they can ever take damage and they can never break. To solve that, I've reverse-engineered the vanilla condition damage formulas and reimplemented them through a script for backpacks. The backpack can be maintained using a variety of scrap items, but mostly animal pelts and hides.
Backpacks can be given to followers, but they will not receive damage in combat. This feature is for the player only.
Mod Support
Spoiler:
Show
If ShowOff NVSE Plugin is installed, its JSON framework is used to add support for mod-added backpacks. By default, config files are already included for the following mods:
Standard installation procedure: add the file to your data folder and check in the game launcher or your mod manager of choice. Load wherever.
If you are using a JSawyer mod, I strongly recommend you set both bLowCarryWeightMode and bSneakDebuff to 1 in the INI file for consistency with Sawyer's conventions.
Uninstallation
This mod can be safety uninstalled at any time and will have no permanent effects on your game. Just delete the file and you're good to go.
Compatibility
This mod changes no vanilla forms and is conflict-free.
For a mod to hook into the balance or distribution system, a simple JSON config file is required, which is placed in the data\config\Better Balanced Backpacks\ folder. When you launch the game, Better Balanced Backpacks will scan the folder and automatically add support for any items identified by formID in the file.
The QwibNewBackpacks.esp.json is the best example, and adds support for Canvas Backpacks - Remade by QwibQwib. The filename should be the same as the backpack mod's name. The JSON file contains a single object with the following possible properties:
size_vsmall: array of formIDs for very small backpacks (+15/+10 lbs)
size_small: array of formIDs for small backpacks (+25/+15 lbs)
size_med: array of formIDs for medium backpacks (+40/+20 lbs)
size_large: array of formIDs for large backpacks (+50/+25 lbs)
size_xlarge: array of formIDs for extra large backpacks (+75/+35 lbs)
size_pouch: array of formIDs for small pouches (+10/+5 lbs)
loot_generic: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to adventurers, mercenaries, and traders
loot_legion: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to Caesar's Legion
loot_khan: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to Great Khans
loot_ncr: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to NCR Troopers
Note that the formIDs are load order independent, so should have only six digits maximum (leading zeros can be omitted).
Future Plans
At present, the backpacks use the Strong Back perk icon. I'm quite literally hoping Jesus can deliver me some better icons, if he's out there.
Give Feedback
