..some other random imperial is surely trying to force the Oath on everyone they meet - mages included. Cost be damned.
I never understood why there's such a disparity in Empire rp concerning the oath. Either people decide to be ridiculous RP-wise like this and ask for money, or they go nuts and refuse to even talk to you unless you take the oath then and there. I guess at least the second is better RP for the most part. My problem is that I've always seemed to run into the money guy when I'm looking to get in, and the opposite when I'm playing a non-Imperial who actually wouldn't mind grouping with them.