Guild Wars 2

Or once taken, does it apply all the time?

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Bolt_to_the_Heart
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vital_Striking

Bolt to the Heart is Air VI. It applies on any attunement as long as your target is below the threshold. The same goes with Vital Striking (Water VI).

However, Piercing Shards (Water IV) is exclusive to Water Attunement only that’s why Lightning Hammer build takes all 3 damage modifier traits and sit in water most of the time.

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Piercing_Shards

OK, thanks for the confirmation – since it didn’t specifically state it, I didn’t want to assume.