Incoming copypasta, plus a few edits, from a few weeks ago:

Ignite munching happens because of when crits actually happen in relation to each other. Take a combat log that looks like this (simplified)

[15:35:01] Fireball crits for 25000.
[15:35:02] Pyroblast! crits for 30000.

That would work fine, and both spells would properly proc Ignite. Now look at this:

[15:35:01] Fireball crits for 25000.
[15:35:01] Pyroblast! crits for 30000.

This situation is entirely possible if one casts a Pyroblast too soon after a Fireball - both spells hit at the same time, as far as the server is concerned. This is when Ignite munching happens. Both appear to be at the same time and the server can only handle one action, so it chooses the most recent one.

It can't really stack properly because of how it procs. Blood Shield can't proc twice at the same time, so it has no problem stacking.

Interchange "Pyroblast! crits for 30000" with something like "Living Bomb crits for 4500" and I think the problem is clear.

It is a lot like nacho munching.

When you land a few nachos on your tongue, naturally sooner or later you will get a critical nacho.This critical nachos causes an extra DOT of flavor like hot sauce.However if your next critical nachos is less hot, then you will replace the superior nacho burn with a less fulfilling bite of hotness.

In its most evil incarnation:

ZOMG an epic pyroblast crit! Ignite is gonna do a whole lot of damage now!

....oh wait, my living bomb dot crit for approximately five warlock tears. Now ignite isn't doing anything. How come my awesome pyroblast ignite got overwritten by a stupid living bomb ignite? A warlock must have designed it.

Thanks, all who answered. I now feel like I'm an expert in Ignite munching, and am greatly amused to boot. I must remember to ask questions in Mage articles more often.

drop in anytime. we have the best weekly column and the best marshmallows for the lock bonfire.

is this in any way shape or form related to the scrunchies that women wear in their hair?