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 lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

(T.2): A fraternal (i.e. non-Identical) twin.

(T.3): You eloped. Scandalous! Roll on Table 12 to see how this worked out.

(T.12): The person turns out to be a doppelganger. You flee them on Table 19.

(T.19): You are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): You escape your life as a slave, and want to make the one responsible pay. If you have not yet encountered a villain who could be responsible for your enslavement, roll on Table 5 now. Either way, proceed to Table 9.

    >>>> (T.5): A devil.

(T.9): You are tricked, and become lost underground. Roll on Table 25.

(T.25): You run into a dwarf surveying the area for places to mine. They lead you back to civilization, then asks you for a favor on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend needs you to convince someone to allow them to wed their beloved. Roll on Table 28 to see if you can do so.

(T.28): You are so bad at trying to negotiate that you actually may have started a war. At any rate, you find you are pressed into service on Table 22.

(T.22): You performed well during your service, but mostly become known for the allied lives you saved. You will have proficiency in Medicine. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 13
Your age is ADULT
Adults are at the most equalized stage of development. From here their physical body will begin to weaken while their minds and personalities benefit from experience.
Adults have no modifiers to their attributes.

Proficiencies:
Religion
Persuasion
Medicine