In file included from imc.cpp:60:0:
descriptor.h:32:18: fatal error: zlib.h: No such file or directory
compilation terminated.
In file included from act_comm.cpp:33:0:
descriptor.h:32:18: fatal error: zlib.h: No such file or directory
compilation terminated.
make[1]: *** [o/act_comm.o] Error 1
make[1]: *** Waiting for unfinished jobs....
make[1]: *** [o/imc.o] Error 1
make: *** [all] Error 2

I'm not really sure what the issue is here, I'm more of a builder than a coder and I wanted to get a copy of AFK up and going so I could start work on my Nintir Vale game (based on the 4e starter campaigns). I've got a few dozen maps and I have even made a copy of the Nintir Vale for the Overland Map system, my problem is I don't know how to code at all. I don't mind giving someone temporary access to my shell to get the game up and going, but whenever I'm compiling the first error always screws me up.. I really don't know what I'm doing code-wise and just need help.

I can, however, follow instructions. If someone can walk me through compiling I will learn what's happening with these errors and can do it on my own after that.

you dont have the zlib stuff installed on your server/cygwin

So this is something to do with my host? Or is this something that I would need to download for the game? Not really sure what that is tbh.

If you're using Cygwin, you'll need to download it via the client and have it installed. It's a library package.

If you're on a server you control, again, something you need to download and install.

If you're on a server you don't control, tell your server admin the need for the library needed. It's a quick thing to download/install. If they already have it and you're still receiving the error, it's a permissions issue and they need to give you access to the associated folders so that you can use it.

Not much more can be said, really.