I honestly don't know if Hammy-ham is returning everyone, but life precedes the role playing community, thus we cannot blame him. Things happen.
Can't force the majourity to linger as well, while I am reluctant to withdraw my own contribution, I cannot say what will happen now, I'll keep a candle lit for this role play regardless. I'll check in periodically.
However, leading in Hammy's stead is rather difficult considering MOST of this initial arc is plotted around the royalty. There's not much that I can do individually.