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 craftsperson or skill artist.

(T.2): Two stepsiblings, each with a different parent.

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

(T.4): You may have missed your chance earlier, but this time you are definitely joining the circus on Table 30.

[d20 = 9]
(T.30): Fire eater. Roll a d20. If you roll less than 12, you not only fail but you injure your vocal cords. As long as you are level 1 you are mute, and you will have a noticeably more gravelly voice indefinitely. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 6
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