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 healer. You will have proficiency in Medicine.

(T.102): One of your parents was a great villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine what kind of villain they were.

    >>>> (T.5): Orc(s).

(T.2): Two stepsisters.

(T.3): You left to search for a missing or distant sibling. If you thought you were an only child, turns out you were wrong and you learn of a half-sibling to seek out. 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): A fey creature.

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

(T.16): A noble purchases you and agrees to allow you to work of your debt on Table 33.

(T.33): Your 'service' is actually as a slave. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): You make a break for it! Run for your freedom on Table 19.

(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 manage to ask just the right kind of impertinent questions about the Temple's beliefs and dogma to set the priests on each other. You find yourself in the position of having to mediate to prevent a fill on religious schism. Do your best on Table 28.

(T.28): You manage to eke out some success, but one of the conditions is that you, personally, are taken away from one of the angered parties. You are escorted to Table 8.

(T.8): A friend's house. Just as well as it seems they need your help. Find out what for 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): The only way one group will come to an agreement is if they get hold of an object that is either sacred or otherwise important to them. You've been promoted (or demoted) to delivery person. Roll on Table 11 to start looking.

(T.11): You find what you are looking for. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on the associated table depending on what you were looking for: Object - Table 13.

(T.13): You find out the object is stolen property. Unfortunately you only find out when you're caught with it in your possession and thrown into prison on Table 21.

(T.21): You are scheduled for execution, but at the last moment a noble decides to intervene and buy your freedom if you serve them. Roll on Table 33.

(T.33): The noble becomes so fond of you that he promises your hand in marriage to the scion of the house. You will have proficiency in Insight and +20% starting gold. Your life of adventure begins (your choice if you are married yet).


Total Rolls: 22
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
Medicine
Investigation
Insight
20% More Starting Gold