Cannot open inventory!

stupid question, but how far in the story are you? You cannot access your inventory until you reach the first 'rest' area where your party is just hanging around 

I don't recall the particular part of the story. Once i reached level three I tried it again, among several other things prior to that, and for whatever reason it worked. If its gated based on progress that is very counter-intuitive. I don't recall other games having that mechanic.

for me i was able to open the inventory after finding new armor in a chest in the arlathan forest not long after leaving the lighthouse for the first time. in my opinion, its a bit counterintuitive that it isn't available when the journal and skills menu open up.