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 farmer.

(T.2): Three siblings.

(T.3): You were apprenticed or sent to be trained. Roll on Table 4 to determine who by or what as.

(T.4): While the 'commoners' fool about, you're going straight to the top of the food chain and providing service to the nobility. See how this works out for you on Table 33.

(T.33): The noble becomes confidant of your economic aptitude. You will have proficiency in Insight. You begin becoming actively involved in merchant business on the noble's behalf on Table 6.

(T.6): After seeing your "skills" as a salesman, you are put on caravan guard duty indefinitely. Roll on Table 20.

(T.20): The caravan is attacked by a greedy villain and its minions, but you manage to spot them in time to fight them off, with the villain swearing vengeance on you in particular. Roll on Table 5 to see the villain in question, and the next time you are asked to roll on Table 5, use this villain instead. You will have proficiency in Perception. Re-roll on this table as the caravan continues on its way.

    >>>> (T.5): Goblin(s).

(T.20): As the caravan stops overnight, you are joined by some fellow travelers. Unfortunately, as you all turn in for the evening, they reveal that they are vampires and attack. You are forced to flee, pursued by these dangerous and dogged enemies as they hunt you for sport. You are fortunate enough to stumble upon a consecrated temple which provides you with shelter. Proceed to Table 27.

(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.

[d20 = 1]
(T.8): A grove sacred to a community of dryads and treants. Roll a d20 now. If lower than 12, they curse you for your transgression. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): One of your hands is a twisted and scaly claw. You have no idea how to remove this ailment, and your life of adventuring begins with you still seeking an answer.


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:
Insight
Perception
Religion
Medicine