I have always made my own note cards for monsters when I am running a game. I keep them alphabetized inside of a small case so I can pull them out as need be. Note cards are cheap, and while yes, flipping through 2 books to get all the data can be a bit much for the prep, once you have a goblin car...

I would argue hes already been broken many many times and thats why he is a complete psycopath

I would allow it w/ some serious research, experimentation and a ritual casting.

Then I would make it go terribly wrong 

Specifically with magic talents, finding instruction seems incredibly important. Even raw has it cost 3x xp without a teacher. Making a wits roll and having to spend time practicing isn’t much of a hurdle. I haven’t had any complaints yet. I’m also careful to note times where NPCs have offered trai...

generally the talent is used with an accompanying action. i.e. sword fighter 1 is used when fighting with a sword. 
Therefore use which ever normal action you would use.. You just get a bonus because its a sword.

Charge has its own entry in the slow actions table.

I know im getting into the realism vs game debate here, but in my experience water is heavy to carry. especially when you have to carry a lot to survive a few days.

Hey donjon welcome to our community!

Also he is very correct lupex. It takes time and continuous refinement to make great things. keep at it and you will succeed

Thats how i feel about it. 
Its more about making them seek out teachers rather than charging straight for rank 3 blood magic just because I saved my xp

Due to the survival aspect of this game I make them carry the item as an equipment item. taking up lines on their character sheet as necessary.

I think the common sense rule applies. If something big is hitting your cover.. Like a 18ft giant swinging a tree trunk then your cover may get smashed to pieces.. If its just an arrow however then it probably wouldn't. having said that I dont use teh cover rules RAW. I just add a penalty to hit. 1 ...