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 an executioner.

(T.102): One of your parents was a priest. You will have proficiency in Religion.

(T.2): An identical twin.

Choose one...
(T.3): Plague strikes down most of your family. You are sick as well, so roll and Table 31 to see how you fare. You choose to have started adventuring after this tragedy.
(T.3): Plague strikes down most of your family. You are sick as well, so roll and table 31 to see how you fare. You can continue your backstory by rolling on table 17.

    >>>> (T.31): You find this 'hardship' almost trivial and come out of it even stronger than before. You will have proficiency in Survival and Athletics.

(T.17): A violent storm forces you to seek shelter from a location on Table 8.

(T.8): A mobile community of river-dwelling halfings who travel by barge. They teach you some hunting skills. You will have proficiency in Survival. Re-roll on this table, ignoring a result of 20, to see where the river takes you.

(T.8): The tower of a wizard. Enter on Table 10.

(T.10): You interrupt a ritual and end up teleporting the wizard away. You are obliged to seek him out, or just felt bad enough to do so. Either way, proceed to Table 11.

(T.11): In your search, you turn up the activities of a villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine which villain. Then try escape their wrath on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.5): A warlord.

(T.19): Fate interrupts your flight 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): A lust for revenge is not equal to an ability to track. You are lost in the wilderness on Table 24.

(T.24): You run into a dwarf surveying the area for places to mine. They lead you back to civilization, then asks you for a favor 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): They though that putting you here would be the end of you, but instead you essentially become the 'boss' of the prison you're in. Your loyal followers arrange for you to be released and even given a bit of gold when you are. You will have +20% starting gold and proficiency in Intimidation and your choice of either Deception or Persuasion. Your life of adventure begins.


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:
Religion
Survival
Athletics
10% Less Starting Gold
20% More Starting Gold
Intimidation
Deception or Persuasion