A buff NPC (PvE only).
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Armor_Booster
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Strength_Booster
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Speed_Booster
Enjoy.
Cancer is also a Zodiac sign.
There used to be buff vendors. There still are—they sell food. Slightly different than the implementation you described, but in appearance only. The effects are still pretty much the same.
-Fildydarie
Hutchmistress of the Fluffy Bunny Brigade [FBB]
Hutchmistress of the Fluffy Bunny Brigade [FBB]