MAngband

I have attached the config.log file. Basically, I downloaded the source from the download page on the website, then I
followed the instructions on the "How to Compile" page that was linked to along with the download; I got this error
"Compiler cannot create executables" so I ran again as root, same thing. It's strange because I could swear I've been
doing tons of compiling of executables on this machine?? I thought it'd be an easy problem to solve (sudo or something
lol) but a search of the forums for "executables" turns up nothing. Anybody know what's up? I'm sure I'm missing
something obvious.

You're doing it wrong. Your trying to create an executable. Not sure how or why cus I don't see the log file. Its MUCH simpler then that. Just paste this into the terminal:
sudo apt-get install subversion
svn co http://mangband.org/svn/mangband/branches/version-1_1_0 mangband
cd mangband/src
./configure
make
cd ..
./mangclient

And you should be good. The ./mangclient is what starts mangband in the terminal. My ubuntu is currently dead, so all I can say is the actual mangclient file is somewhere, and you should go to add and remove programs, games, add new program: call it mangband, and use ./mangclient as the command. It will now appear in your games menu.
Personally, I reccomend that you replace the line .configure with:
./configure --without-sdl
Because otherwise the window may be too big to play easily if you don't have a big enough screen resolution.

One small nit to pick... You should be checking out 1.1.1, not 1.1.0. ;-)

svn co http://mangband.org/svn/mangband/branches/version-1_1_1

you should probably update the how to compile in linux guide in the downloads section to be the right version