Unable to initiate conversation with Lae'zel via custom characters. Stuck in party

[Tomunizum]

Version 4.1.1.3630146

Tried removing Lae'zel from the party, but noticed unable to speak with them. Attempts result in nothing or occasionally will respond that they cannot speak now. Lae'zel CAN speak with other NPCs, merchants, etc, without issue.
Have tried:
Reloading to many types of saves including, a very early save on the nautiloid where I am sure we could converse. Nope
Restarting game entirely, including swapping to Vulkan from dx11. Nope
Killing and reviving both Lae'zel and custom character, through scroll and withers. Nope
Tried applying silence to whole party and then attempting after everyone walks out. (Per recommended fix that worked in past). Nope

Not sure what to do. Will just deal with the current party composition for now but really dont want to throw away all this time invested with my group.