Day 1   Erik retreated to the solitude of his private chambers, the weight of recent events pressing heavily upon him. The cursed item in his possession had proven too dangerous to keep, its influence growing more erratic and unpredictable. With a resolute expression, Erik cast Wish, channeling the immense power of the spell to sever the cursed bond and banish the item from his grasp forever. Feeling an odd mix of relief and emptiness, he shifted his focus to his new plan. Thankfully, while he did have to deal with the stress of casting wish, he was able to avoid any further harm, or interference with casting the spell.   That same morning, he imbued a card with the Simulacrum spell, expertly flourishing it to summon a magical duplicate of himself. The simulacrum, with no need for rest or diversion, was given a clear directive: use Wish to create a gem worth 25,000 gold coins. Erik watched as the brilliant crystal materialized in the clone’s hands before setting off into the heart of Isondale.   Dressed in his finest robes, Erik began his first day of carousing. He hopes to use his connect to Jirzis Fogflaw, one of the members of the tower to aid him in this endeavor. His destination was a popular tavern frequented by mid-level mages and ambitious apprentices. Here, he played the part of the magnanimous regional hero, sharing stories of his adventures, buying rounds of drinks, and dropping subtle hints about his interest in the affairs of the High Mage’s Tower. By the time the evening ended, Erik had made several new connections, leaving the mages buzzing with talk of his charm and power.   ---   Day 2   As the morning sun crept over Isondale, Erik once again imbued a card with the *Simulacrum* spell and watched as his duplicate created another flawless gem. With his clone busy, Erik spent the day at a magical item bazaar near the High Mage’s Tower. This bustling market was a hotspot for merchants and mages alike, and Erik made a point of introducing himself to every vendor of note.   He purchased a few minor trinkets, not because he needed them, but because it allowed him to engage the vendors in conversation. With his natural charisma and reputation as a hero, Erik effortlessly navigated the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and securing promises of future collaboration. By evening, he had caught the attention of a few council aides, who took note of his presence and influence.   ---   Day 3   The routine of summoning his simulacrum and tasking it with creating a gem had become almost ritualistic by now. Erik then attended a formal luncheon hosted by a prominent magical academy in the city. The event was a prime opportunity to mingle with influential figures, including scholars, merchants, and even a lesser council member from the High Mage’s Tower.   Over courses of exquisite food and wine, Erik deftly wove his ambitions into the conversation. He spoke of his desire to see Isondale flourish as a beacon of magical progress and hinted at his readiness to take on greater responsibilities. By the end of the meal, he had solidified his reputation as a leader and visionary in the magical community. Erik drops an emerald into the hands of Magister of Eldritch Secrets Sylvara Nightbloom that is valued at 25,000 gold coins. He convinces her to set him up with a lifetime membership and to forgo the background check for access to the High Mage's Tower's guild.   ---   Day 4   After the simulacrum completed its morning task, Erik ventured to a symposium on rare spell components held in the High Mage’s Tower itself. Though not officially invited, Erik’s status as a hero and his natural charm allowed him to gain entry with ease.   He spent the day engaging with council members and high-ranking mages, contributing insightful commentary on arcane topics and offering glimpses of his vast knowledge. His ability to navigate complex magical discussions impressed even the most seasoned attendees. By the end of the day, Erik had earned the respect of several influential figures and had been invited to a private dinner later in the week.   ---   Day 5 Erik’s simulacrum continued its work, creating yet another gem as Erik prepared for a more relaxed day. He spent his time carousing in the vicinity of the High Mage’s Tower, joining smaller gatherings of mid-level mages and apprentices. He told captivating tales of his exploits, carefully tailoring each story to highlight his resourcefulness and dedication to the betterment of Isondale.   This day was less about high-level networking and more about reinforcing his image among the wider magical community. By evening, Erik had inspired loyalty and admiration among many, further cementing his growing influence.   ---   Day 6   The private dinner Erik had been invited to earlier in the week took place in an opulent manor near the High Mage’s Tower. The guest list was small but exclusive, including two members of the High Mage’s Council and several other prominent figures. Erik arrived impeccably dressed, his presence commanding attention from the moment he entered the room.   Throughout the evening, Erik dazzled the guests with his eloquence and wit. He subtly positioned himself as a natural leader, someone who could bring fresh ideas and vitality to the council. By the time the evening ended, Erik had not only solidified his reputation but had also established personal connections with key council members.   ---   Day 7   On the final day of his week, Erik attended a large public event celebrating the city’s magical heritage. It was the perfect opportunity to showcase himself as both a hero of the people and a scholar of magic. He mingled with attendees of all social standings, ensuring that his name would be on everyone’s lips by the end of the day.   That evening, Erik returned to Redstone Tower, the glow of success surrounding him. His efforts over the week had paid off: he had built valuable relationships, enhanced his reputation, and planted the seeds for his eventual rise to the High Mage’s Council. Meanwhile, his simulacrum had created a total of seven flawless gems, their combined worth a testament to Erik’s strategic brilliance.   One of Erik's newfound allies is Lirath Eldenbrook, a seasoned and respected enchanter within the High Mage’s Tower guild. Known for his mastery of magical warding and item enhancement, Lirath is a key figure in the guild's operational structure, even though he has never pursued a council seat himself.   Lirath is pragmatic and values action over politics, which makes him admire Erik's decisive nature and forward-thinking vision. After several conversations during the week—particularly at the private dinner—Lirath became convinced that Erik's ambition and ability could bring meaningful progress to the council. As a result, Lirath has offered to subtly advocate for Erik among the guild's members and lend his influence where needed to bolster Erik's rise to a council position.