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 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): Sacrilege/Blasphemy.

(T.102): If this is your 2nd (or higher) roll on this table, you were separated from your siblings as a child. Continue on to Table 2 to determine these siblings, re-rolling if you roll a 1, 2 or 20.

(T.2): A fraternal (i.e. non-Identical) twin.

(T.3): You were apprenticed or sent to be trained. Roll on Table 4 to determine who by or what as.

(T.4): You need some of that old time religion. Follow the call to the temple on Table 27.

(T.27): You behave in an offensive way. The god(s) are angered and curse you. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): You were cursed to never again taste food or experience any joy from music or song. Can you find the information you need to lift this curse on Table 11?

(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 find that this is a riddle wrapped in an enigma, so to speak. You need to find even more information to solve the mystery. Dig further on Table 11.

(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 not only discover the information, but you find a map to valuable treasure AND become regarded as a good investigator. You will have training in Perception and Investigation. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 12
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:
Intimidation
Investigation
Perception