Currently the world of salem is starting to get that feel as a living world. However the fact that time relates to position is more than a bit odd, indeed some people move to the darkness not for the power of items but for the look of the location.
So, I propose that instead of darkness we have mist instead. The further out you go the thicker the mist. Mist works identically to darkness, the only difference being that mist has a different look.
With this change, give us a day/night cycle.
If these were implemented day/night specific curios could be added (chase the fireflies!).