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I never fast-travelled because fast travel is disabled in hardcore mode. Perhaps you weren't aware, but if you travel the map, there are random encounters on the road. Bandits will set up roadblocks or ambush you with dogs and there are also various characters to encounter, like lost merchants you can help or rob, occasional roadside murders you come across, errant knights looking to duel, full-on battles taking place between groups of bandits and Cumans or groups of guards and Cumans.