December 2017
Thanks, @ThandalNLyman... I think you're actually helping me on two different problems, one of them on another forum!
I've attached the DXdiag report.
I am not sure of the version of DA:O that I have right now. I downloaded and installed DA:O through Origin a few days ago. Prior to that, I had installed the game from physical disks. Both were Unlimited Edition (if that's what you mean by UE or not), and I know for sure the disk installation did not have Patch 1.05, but I don't know about the Origin installation. The only reason I'm mentioning the first installation is because I'm not sure if that's somehow interfering with something - as I also can't load a save file now: I get a message saying there is missing content (mods). (That's the other problem I am having that I think you might be helping me with on another forum.)
Which brings us to mods: These are the mods listed in the error message when I try to load my save file:
Qunari Update
Skip the Fade-816
Improved Romance Scenes and Fixes - Alistair (IRS A Standalone DAzip-1166)
Extra Dog Slot v1.41
AlistairRom Appetite 1.1-4587-1-1
These mods are/were installed and not mentioned in the error message:
No Helmet Hack 1_6 Origins-202 (this mod was working in the forced load)
Madd Gift Guide - Madd Gift Guide V1_1 (this mod was not working in the forced load)
DahliaLynn's - Alistair's First Night Love Scene - First_Night_IRS 3.0 (I am not sure if this mod was working because it's a cinematic (I think))
A year with Sten - A year with Sten (this mod requires qunari_update to work, so not sure if it would have worked in the forced load)
And Lock Bash - Lock Bash v7e for Original and Awakening is installed but I disabled it as it never did work for me.
I hope some of this helps, thanks so much!
January 2018
February 2018
Choose Core 1.
May 2018
I found a workaround and this is the only thing that worked for me. Load an earlier save from another city/camp. Then load your current save. Works for me, every time although it doesn't solve the underlying issue.