This tool is based on the work of user Arachobia on RPG Crossing with his permission. He had taken a list of tables from Dragon magazine #422 in an article called "Building Character" by Matt Sernett and updated them for 5th edition. I've turned them into an automatic tool for generating a characters background.

Instructions: Refresh the page to generate a new background story. As always, you can use it however you like and fill in your own details. Your age and acquired proficiencies are listed at the bottom and are based on the results you got. Try to pick a Race/Class/Background combo that fulfills all the proficiencies. Your age may also result in ability score modifiers that can be applied after building your character.

...or ignore everything and do whatever you want. Whatever.
Background Generator

(T.101): One of your parents was an executioner.

(T.102): One of your parents was an executioner.

(T.2): A bastard younger brother.

(T.3): You leave in search of a family heirloom or some other valuable or powerful item. Roll on Table 11.

(T.11): You turn up nothing. Your life of adventure begins with no progress made in this search.


Total Rolls: 5
Your age is CHILDHOOD
Children are physically smaller than adults, and are still learning much about the world. Their smaller frames make them more agile and more endearing, and sometimes they have curious views which can make them seem insightful.
+1 DEX, +1, WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 CON, -1 INT

Proficiencies: