Stuck on waiting for character

[Nezz]

Like the title says, when logging in to my friend's server, I get stuck on "Waiting for character". Connecting to other servers is not a problem.

I've tried the usual things; I'm not using the dev builds, my cache integrity verified without errors, etc.

Because it's server specific, I'm guessing the issue is server-side. Any ideas what can be done to correct the issue, aside from deleting my character and starting over.

Also, off-topic but important (to me at least), when a hosting company like HFB decides to null route a server due to "DDoS" attack, is the server still running and allowing structures to decay? Asking because I had a crapload of stuff in a wood house, saving up for a metal house and if I lost it all, I'm going to be really pissed. Second time I've lost everything for a reason other than a server wipe.