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 a priest. You will have proficiency in Religion.

(T.102): One of your parents was a healer. You will have proficiency in Medicine.

(T.2): You are the oldest of a 5 sibling family.

(T.3): Your parents need to give a noble a gift: you! Roll on Table 33

(T.33): The noble throws a masquerade. You initially are the life of the party with your uproarious behavior, but once the masks are off and you continue on, your behavior is viewed as uncouth. With their honor insulted, the noble sends you packing to Table 8.

[d20 = 20]
(T.8): A grove sacred to a community of dryads and treants. Roll a d20 now. On a 12 or higher, you manage to convince the fey to let you leave and make your way to the forest on Table 24.

(T.24): You befriend a wild mount. You will have proficiency in Animal Handling and a free mount of your choice (but no higher than your starting level). With your mount you make your way back to civilization and your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 7
Your age is TEENAGER
Teenagers are dexterious and hardy, and often are cocky enough to be quite assertive and convincing. Unfortunately, this does not translate into 'real' wisdom or intelligence, and a teenagers body still has some growth to do before they'll be at peak strength.
+1 CHA, +1 DEX, +1 CON, -1 INT, -1 WIS, -1 STR

Proficiencies:
Religion
Medicine
Animal Handling
Mount of your choice (same level or lower)