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 soldier.

(T.102): One of your parents was a merchant.

(T.2): You were separated from your siblings at birth. Re-roll on this table to determine who they were, ignoring a result of 1, 2 or 20

(T.2): A bastard younger brother.

(T.3): Someone in your family wanted to use you for some horrible purpose. You fled. Roll on Table 19

(T.19): You are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): You are liberated by an army and compelled to join them yourself on Table 22.

(T.22): You survive your service intact. You are released from service far from where you came on Table 8.

(T.8): A friend's house. Just as well as it seems they need your help. Find out what for on Table 18.

(T.18): Your friend was no true friend at all! They merely wished to frame you for a crime. Serve your time on Table 21.

(T.21): You serve out your term in prison until you are freed. You start with 10% less starting gold. Roll on Table 31 with a -5 modifier to the roll to see the effects of this imprisonment. Then seek out a friend or family after your release on Table 11.

    >>>> (T.31): You nearly die and are permanently physically scarred. You suffer a pronounced limp, a wracking cough, a twisted hand, a blind eye or some other ailment or combination of ailments.

(T.11): You discover you need more information to find what you seek. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on this table again, but regardless of what you were searching for originally, you now are seeking information.

(T.11): You discover you need more information to find what you seek. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on this table again, but regardless of what you were searching for originally, you now are seeking information.

(T.11): You discover you need more information to find what you seek. You will have proficiency in Investigation. Roll on this table again, but regardless of what you were searching for originally, you now are seeking information.

(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): You gain the information, but it does not come cheap. -20% of your starting gold. Your life of adventure begins, slightly poorer but with information in hand.


Total Rolls: 17
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:
10% Less Starting Gold
Investigation
20% Less Starting Gold