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 hero.

(T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you either were raised by one parent or only one parent worked, AND you are an only child. Proceed to Table 3.

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

(T.34): You become friends with the captain, and eventually convince him to try becoming a merchant vessel captain instead. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. The captain puts you in charge of representing his interests on shore at Table 6.

(T.6): You impress the other merchants with your silver tongue. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. You are elected to mediate mercantile disputes. Proceed to Table 28.

(T.28): You are truly a great orator. You impress all involved, and they view you as an honored guest and bestow you with gifts. You will have +10% starting gold and proficiency in Persuasion and Insight. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 6
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:
Persuasion
10% More Starting Gold
Insight