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 demon.

(T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you were separated from your siblings as a child. Continue on to Table 2 to determine these siblings, re-rolling if you roll a 1, 2 or 20.

(T.2): A younger brother.

(T.3): You are press-ganged. Roll on Table 34

(T.34): A mysterious storm carries the ship off course to a strange island. While exploring the island, you become cursed and the superstitious crew abandons you at the next port. Find out your curse 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 save the wizards spellbook(s) from burning. The wizard happily rewards you with a potion of healing. With this potion in your starting gear, you begin your life of adventure (strength of the healing potion will depend on starting level).


Total Rolls: 8
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:
Potion of Healing