Solo target: control and survival
For players questing alone or learning encounters. Ice Chain gets investment instead of Fire Mark, and Steel Barrier replaces Delayed Explosion. That gives the starter more control and a defensive option at the same point cost.
Tradeoff: you give up the group's invested fire passive and explosion choice. This is an editorial safety-oriented starting point, not a tested damage optimum or a legal low-level allocation.
Sources: Oct 6 leveling guide and authored Global build. Older Taiwan references inform roles only; Global costs come from the separate database.
Sorcerer leveling checklist