First of all, sorry if this a bit of a nooby question.
Let's say I encounter a bane that needs the magic trait to defeat.
I don't have a weapon in my hand with the magic trait (just something basic for example) but I do have an item, let's say the horn of battle clarity, I play them both on the check, did my check have the magic trait?
Similar situation. I play a basic weapon but I also play a corrosive dagger +1, have I added the magic trait?
My only reasoning behind this is that a weapon with the magic trait doesn't specifically say it's adding the magic trait when you play it, it just says lists the traits.
I'm pretty sure the answer is no but I found the rule book a tad unclear on this. If some one could explain this ruling clearly it would be much appreciated.
For a trait to "transfer" from a card to the check, the card must be played to determine which skill you are using.
Determine Which Skill You're Using
...The skill you’re using for the check, and any skill referenced by that skill, are added as traits to the check. For example, if your character has the skill Melee: Strength +2, and you are using your Melee skill, both the Strength and the Melee traits are added to the check. When you’re playing a card to determine the skill you’re using, that card’s traits are also added to the check; for example, revealing the weapon Heavy Pick for your combat check adds the Pick, Melee, Piercing, and Basic traits to the check...
Play Cards and Use Powers That Affect Your Check (Optional).
Players may now play cards or use powers that affect your check... Do not add traits from these cards to the check; for example, playing the spell Aid on a check does not give the check the Divine trait.
In both your examples, the Horn of Battle Clarity and the Corrosive Dagger +1 aren't played to determine which skill you're using, but are played to "affect your check," so the traits of the card are NOT added to the check.
You can also add a trait to a check if the power says to add the trait to the check. Magic Weapon, for example, says to add the Magic trait in the powers of the card.
Thanks Hawkmoon.
I had a feeling it would be you who would reply to my thread! Anyway, I did think as much but I just wanted to be clear.
I made a post a while back explaining when traits are or are not added to checks. The context of the post was clarifying if a check was combat/non-combat, but the contents apply to your question as well. If you're still confused, give it a read and hopefully it clears things up instead of just making things worse.