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 priest. You will have proficiency in Religion.

(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): Kidnapping.

(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): An older sister and a stepbrother.

(T.3): Who needs an excuse to leave? You just wanted to see the world! Begin your journey on Table 8

(T.8): A private hunting grounds owned by a noble. Try to explain your way out of it at Table 28.

(T.28): All you manage to do is anger one party to the point it wants to hunt you down. Roll on Table 19 to try escape their wrath.

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

(T.16): You revolt, and lead your fellow slaves in an escape attempt. See what fate has in store for you on Table 19.

(T.19): Fate interrupts your flight on Table 17.

(T.17): A wizard decides you'd be a good servant, with or without your permission. You are charmed into going to Table 10.

(T.10): You manage to ruin a ritual, and a demon is conjured forth. As the wizard and the demon have their fight, you flee to Table 19.

(T.19): You evade your pursuers for now, but you know they are never going to be far behind and you must remain alert. You will have proficiency in Perception. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 14
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
Intimidation
Perception