Why only elixirs?

[Innominat]

I'm playing a Rogue multiclassed into Alchemist, mostly for smokesticks. He was only multiclassed since making smoke is excessively expensive and the Rogue class feats are very underwhelming. I assumed the Investigator class would be a good replacement. [Why making smoke would ever cost 3GP is beyond me, since smoke bombs in the real world have been around for since the 13th century and one hour of unskilled labor can buy hundreds of smoke bombs, but that's beyond the scope of this.]

Nope. Investigator can't get free smokesticks like Alchemist can. Only elixirs. So while my rogue can make poison, elixirs, tools and bombs, the Investigator can only make elixirs. They should be able to use any of those like an alchemist can - or at least choose between elixirs, bombs, tools or poisons.

[Paul Watson]

It does seem a bit confused. As you level up you can select elixirs or tools, but you only get elixirs at first level and your versatile tinctures only apply to elixirs.

I initially thought you got elixir or tool at first, and I definitely think it should at least get that option. Even if it doesn't allow the versatile to apply to tools as well.

[Salamileg]

Someone mentioned it in another thread, but it's likely a reference to how many pop culture investigators always drink/take something to keep them going, ranging from coffee to opium.

[Paul Watson]

That doesn’t explain why you can take tools when levelling up, but not as your first level abilities.
I’m not sure why you couldn’t know how to craft a tindertwig, smokestick, sunrod or snake oil at first but can at second. Most of the “pick me up” detectives weren’t shy of smoking, either. And given the preparedness feats, Batman is also a valid investigator inspiration.