What preparations do I need for the Catacombs?

Hint 1 of 8:

There is no way to give hints here.  You might want to try to go through the
labyrinth and wait until you know what the puzzles are.

Hint 2 of 8:

If Alex has everything he needs to finish the catacombs, he'll volunteer to
enter right away, and not wait until he's prepared.

Hint 3 of 8:

Here come direct answers if you want to avoid the trial-and-error.  Be warned
that you will get a pretty big hint if you read the next hint.

Hint 4 of 8:

Past the boiling pond on the Isle of the Beast:

Hint 5 of 8:

The gray brick

Hint 6 of 8:

From the pawn shop on the Isle of the Crown:

Hint 7 of 8:

The tinder box