Is there a need to an original creature to be in any way present during the casting of Simulacrum? Can a wizard just name a creature and get a Simulacrum version of it (RAW)?
Simulacrum
School illusion (shadow); Level sorcerer/wizard 7, summoner 5; Elemental School void 7
CASTINGCasting Time 12 hours
Components V, S, M (ice sculpture of the target plus powdered rubies worth 500 gp per HD of the simulacrum)
EFFECTRange 0 ft.
Effect one duplicate creature
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance noDESCRIPTION
Simulacrum creates an illusory duplicate of any creature. The duplicate creature is partially real and formed from ice or snow. It appears to be the same as the original, but it has only half of the real creature's levels or HD (and the appropriate hit points, feats, skill ranks, and special abilities for a creature of that level or HD). You can't create a simulacrum of a creature whose HD or levels exceed twice your caster level. You must make a Disguise check when you cast the spell to determine how good the likeness is. A creature familiar with the original might detect the ruse with a successful Perception check (opposed by the caster's Disguise check) or a DC 20 Sense Motive check.
At all times, the simulacrum remains under your absolute command. No special telepathic link exists, so command must be exercised in some other manner. A simulacrum has no ability to become more powerful. It cannot increase its level or abilities. If reduced to 0 hit points or otherwise destroyed, it reverts to snow and melts instantly into nothingness. A complex process requiring at least 24 hours, 100 gp per hit point, and a fully equipped magical laboratory can repair damage to a simulacrum.
As written the only requirement would be that the caster have some amount of familiarity with the creature created (so that they would be able to create a sculpture in its likeness). But the creature doesn't need to be present.