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 merchant.

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

(T.2): Two sisters.

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

(T.11): In your search, you turn up the activities of a villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine which villain. Then try escape their wrath on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.5): Goblin(s).

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

(T.16): In what seems like an act of divinity, a disaster slaughters nearly all your captors. You travel to Table 27 to pay respect to the god that you believe is responsible for your freedom.

(T.27): You impress the priests with your devotion. You will have training in Religion and Medicine. You are sent out to spread the word, roll on Table 8 to see where.

(T.8): A small village in the wilderness, as a terrible winter descends. Pull through on Table 31, then try stay alive on Table 24.

    >>>> (T.31): It’s tough, but you pull through with high spirits and no permanent damage.

(T.24): You wander the wilds for at least a year, living a meager existence and never coming into contact with civilization. You will have proficiency in Nature, but there may be a cost: roll on Table 31 to see. Then re-roll on this table.

    >>>> (T.31): You barely make it. The experience leaves its scars, both physical and mental, but you find ways to compensate.

(T.24): You survive by honing your hunting and trapping skills. You will have proficiency in Nature and Survival. With these new skills, you return a stronger person and your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 14
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:
Persuasion
Religion
Medicine
Nature
Survival