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 lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

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

(T.2): Two sisters.

(T.3): You are cursed! You either flee your home in shame, leave voluntarily or are driven out. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): Your hand turns to a sort of mobile stone. You can experience nothing in it: pain, heat or touch. Only divine powers can cure you, but in exchange you must serve the temple on Table 27.

(T.27): You display impressive knowledge that impresses the priests who teach you all they can. You will have proficiency in Religion. The priests then send you to be tutored further on Table 4.

(T.4): You may have missed your chance earlier, but this time you are definitely joining the circus on Table 30.

(T.30): Before you can make your debut, a villain destroys the circus. Roll on Table 5 to see who could perform such a dastardly act! You and a few surviving performers try to get even on Table 9.

    >>>> (T.5): A dragon.

(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 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: 11
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:
Persuasion
Religion
Animal Handling
Mount of your choice (same level or lower)