Speak common language, my friend, and I'm sure I can help you.

I've talked to rose and narrowed down the smell to oak bark and the tanner keeps sending me away, where am I suppose to go now to solve this riddle?

Talk to one of the beggers hanging around in the area, I think his name is Rampus or something. He has something that will point you toward the tanner. It will cost you a few gold to get it but you can't go any further without it.

I just attacked him, and it all worked out without any reputation loss. Sometimes you just gotta go with your instincts.... violent instincts!!!

you don't have to pay him, just say you don't have the money and he'll lower the price keep doing this and you'll get the clue for free.