Context: This question refers to gaining Merits and Backgrounds (Advantages) after the campaign has started, long after character generation has been done.
In older versions of Vampire the Masquerade, my GMs made us pay experience points to for some Advantages, but others were free and just based on roleplaying. Examples:
- You've done the Prince a huge favour. Gain 1 Status. No xp required.
- You've turned your best friend into a ghoul. No xp required.
- You've decided you really want the Crack Driver merit. Cut scene about you on an advanced & defensive driving course. Pay the xp cost.
- You have built up your Herd. Explain how to the GM and pay the xp cost.
What's the situation with buying new Advantages or improving old ones in VTM 5th edition? Pay for everything? GM decides?