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 great villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine what kind of villain they were.

    >>>> (T.5): A troll.

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

(T.2): Only child.

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

(T.4): The stage calls to you! You study with an actor. You will have proficiency in Performance. As for your tutor, their fate awaits on Table 12.

(T.12): You find out the person was just using to you, and that they actively hate you. After they push you away, you blunder about without paying much attention and end up on Table 17.

(T.17): War! You have been drafted. Roll on Table 22.

(T.22): After demonstrating your skills on the battlefield, you are quietly put on permanent guard duty for the baggage trains. 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): A wizard (again! Hey, it’s a trope).

(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 behave in an offensive way. The god(s) are angered and curse you. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): You were cursed to never again taste food or experience any joy from music or song. Can you find the information you need to lift this curse on Table 11?

(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: Information - Table 14.

(T.14): The information turns out to be false. You are not sure whether you were deceived deliberately, or where you might find the truth. Suitably confused, your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 16
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:
Performance
Perception
Investigation