replying for anyone else that gets this, DO NOT try and get around this in any way if you're getting it, i did and now the game crashes every time i try and load my save D:
I can attempt to repair your save if you'd like?
nah its ok i'm sure you've got enough on your plate, i managed to make a new file and use debug cheats to basically get it to the same point?
That's what they're there for!