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): If this is your 1st roll on this table you were adopted. Roll on this table another maximum of two times* as if it is your first and 2nd roll, for your biological parents, then again maximum of 2 times* (again as if it is your 1st and 2nd roll). After this, you may move on to Table 2.
Biological Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was an executioner.

    >>>> (T.102): One of your parents was a craftsperson or skill artist.
Adoptive Parents:

    >>>> (T.101): One of your parents was an executioner.

    >>>> (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): A younger brother.

(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): You turn up nothing. Your life of adventure begins with no progress made in this search.


Total Rolls: 9
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: