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 farmer.

(T.102): One of your parents was a criminal. Roll on Table 15 to determine what crime(s) they committed. Regardless of what they did, you will have proficiency in Intimidation.

    >>>> (T.15): Assassination.

(T.2): Two stepsisters.

Choose one...
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on Table 5 to determine the villain responsible. You start adventuring now, just after having your home destroyed.
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on table 5 to determine the villain responsible. Roll on Table 9 if you want to have already tried to take revenge.

    >>>> (T.5): A doppelganger.

(T.9): Your quest is put on hold as you become embroiled in other events. Roll on Table 17.

(T.17): You are robbed and left tied up. You will have 10% less starting gold. You swear vengeance on those that robbed you on Table 9.

(T.9): Your quest is put on hold as you become embroiled in other events. Roll on Table 17.

(T.17): You run afoul of slavers. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): A friend manages to scrape together enough money to buy your freedom, but they want something in return. Find out what on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend needs help in illegal activites: roll on Table 15. You succeed, but the local criminal organization is alerted to your unsanctioned activities. Find out the consequences of Table 26.

    >>>> (T.15): Black Market Activity.

(T.26): You preform well-enough, but the group is still not sure about your loyalties, even if they do pay you. You have +10% starting gold. Re-roll on this table.

(T.26): During your work for the group, you are press-ganged. Sail on to Table 34.

(T.34): The ship is becalmed for weeks. When the wind finally picks up, it blows you to the shore near a great temple. You decide to thank the gods by serving at the temple on Table 27.

(T.27): You behave in an offensive way. The god(s) are angered and curse you. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): Your eyes constantly weep black ichor. A wizard knows how to remove this curse, but you have to work for them first on Table 10.

(T.10): You accidentally break one of the wizard's magical trinkets, and the furious mage turns you into a toad. You spend a year living in a swamp before the spell wears off. In your original form, see if you can survive the swamp on Table 24.

(T.24): You befriend a wild mount. You will have proficiency in Animal Handling and a free mount of your choice (but no higher than your starting level). With your mount you make your way back to civilization and your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 20
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
Intimidation
10% Less Starting Gold
10% More Starting Gold
Animal Handling
Mount of your choice (same level or lower)