Does an Alchemist need to buy a bunch of vials and flasks for all his zany things he can do? I would imagine so, but thought I would ask in case there was something I missed.
Nope. The only thing they'd need those for would be making alchemical items (using Craft Alchemy to make alch fire/acid/frost and such) or making potions (using Brew Potion), both of which explicitly spell out the cost of crafting. The Bomb ability and Extracts ability do not require buying materials.
Really? Interesting. I just assumed you did need the vials and flasks, but it never said so, so I thought I would ask.
IIRC, an alchemist's kit automatically assumes enough vials for whatever bombs, mutagens, or extracts he uses.
That said, bringing a bunch of empty flasks and running around taking samples of whatever catches your interest is very characterful.
Oh, yeah. Especially as a Preservationist!! Which is what I have as a back up character in case my summoner (half Elf Wild Caller), now level 2 (WOOT!!) should buy the farm.
Gnome Preservationist, with the Pyromaniac Racial Trait. LOL, I should have made him first!! Ah well, the Summoner is pretty cool as well.
The Alchemist is a versatile class. The 'Throw Anything' feature allows you to add your intelligence modifier to splash weapon damage (which tends to be most powerful at low levels), but the utility of consumables still largely depends on what party role you intend to fulfill. Most of the time, you'll be able to get by with relatively low alchemical consumables if you ration bombs and extracts carefully. OTOH, if you use the Grenadier archetype, then you are probably going to be buying (crafting) more vials and flasks.
<cough> eleven year necro <cough>