Parties of all the same class and the same level: Feature?

[geoffrey]

From the Monster Level Tables on pp. 10-11 of U&WA:

Level 2:
Warriors
Conjurors
Theurgists

Level 3:
Heroes
Thaumaturgists
Swashbucklers
Magicians

Level 4:
Evil Priests
Myrmidons
Enchanters

Level 5:
Superheroes
Sorcerers

Level 6:
Lords
Wizards*
Evil High Priests*
*Typically each will be accompanied by from 1-4 apprentices (Enchanters/Evil Priests) and 1-6 body-guards (levels 4-6) fighter-type.

With the exception of the Wizards and Evil High Priests on level 6, each of these groups consists of a single class of identical level. This is also done in the Monster & Treasure Assortments that TSR published in 1977-78.

Tell me why you think that's a good thing, or why you think it is a bad thing.

[foxroe]

Perhaps it was intentional? Certainly later editions went with more diverse NPC parties, likely because it was more representative of player parties (maybe to encourage rivalry, competition, or cooperation). Maybe encountering parties of homogeneous makeup was inspired by "Appendix N" literature? They seem more appropriate for specific goal orientation - questing superheroes (a la Knights of the Round Table, or the Argonauts), a cabal of sorcerers searching for the Door to Saturn, an Inquisition of High Priests hunting the previous heretical High Priest, etc.

I wouldn't say it was good or bad; it's juts part of the flavor of OD&D.

[Stormcrow]

Yes, don't think of these as PC-style murder-hobos; they've most likely got a more specific agenda than that. Of course, that agenda could be just about anything.