Recently, I have created a wizard character and my DM asked me to roll on my Sage background, and I got the Alchemist specialty. So I thought, cool, can i craft potions? Apparently not, I'm not even proficient in Alchemy tools. So apparently I just studied alchemy as a minor or something, although being a 'specialty', is it wrong to assume if you are specialised in something, you are supposed to be good at it?
Unfortunately, that character died after 2 sessions. I joined another one and decided to create the same type of character - the wizard who dabbles in alchemy. I chose Guild Artisan and made sure I was proficient in Alchemy Supplies. So my DM said since we are starting at lv5, we can use our gold to buy some gear. I was thinking, if i had been doing alchemy, i would have a few potions, so i wanted to craft a few potions of healing. Well apparently i cannot again, that somehow requires Herbalism kit. What is this nonsense? An alchemist that can't even make a simple potion of healing is not an alchemist!
The PHB is very vague on crafting too, all it said was it costs half the market price and my background says 'you have the skills to create finished goods from raw materials'. Nothing on how and what Alchemy Supplies can be used for. So what gives? Is Hermit the only way to be proficient at Herbalism Kit? Why is a hobo better at making potions of healing than people who actively study and practice alchemy? This is on the same level of questionable logic as a Diviner Wizard not having the Augury and Divination spells.