D&D (2024) How do you work saves when there are multiple effects causing the same thing

[pukunui]

But having a second source isnt imposing more disadvantage on the PCs condition - its just cutting off further move options.

While multiple fear effects don't compound on the disadvantage, they do, as you say, further limit movement options, and if you require a separate save for each one, that potentially prolongs the effect.

 

[MarkB]

I'm not sure that stands up to logic though (not that theres much logic in DnD)

A frightened creature has disadvantage on ability checks and cant move towards the source of its fear is within line of sight. But having a second source isnt imposing more disadvantage on the PCs condition - its just cutting off further move options. ie I think the condition should be from the victims persepctive not the creatures

ie theres really no value it making saves against all sources since once the save is failed the intensity of the effect doesnt change much.

The intensity doesn't change, but your options increase significantly. You have more directions you can move in, and fewer creatures you'd need to break line of sight with to remove the penalties.

 

[Voadam]

It makes sense to me that if I am caught between Alien and Predator both giving off fear effects I can't run past either, I am too scared and just shaking in my boots. Maybe I shake off my fear of one and can try to run past it to get away from the other I am still freaked out about, maybe I shake off fear of both and can try to fight.

Separate checks for both effects makes sense for me here and would probably be how I'd rule as DM.

 

[ezo]

<snip>

So now the creature is "double frightened" which means nothing mechanically, but how do you handle saves? Do you treat each effect separate so it remains frightened until it breaks each of them according to the rules and DC associated with it or does the first save break both effects?

Your answer is right there in your question (bolded):

You make the saves when called for vs. the DC specified for the effect in question. Removing one effect still leaves the creature Frightened by the other effect. Until both effects are successfully saved against, the creature has the Frightened condition.

Especially when you consider one calls for a save when damaged, and the other at the end of the turn. You aren't even asking for saves at the same time, why would you combine them and allow a single save to break both??