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 craftsperson or skill artist.

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

(T.2): Two brothers.

Choose one...
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on Table 5 to determine the villain responsible. You start adventuring now, just after having your home destroyed.
(T.3): A villain destroyed your home. Roll on table 5 to determine the villain responsible. Roll on Table 9 if you want to have already tried to take revenge.

    >>>> (T.5): A lich lord.

(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 find some sort of road, trail or other route to follow to Table 8.

(T.8): A haunted house. You escape, but are left with a curse. See Table 7.

(T.7): One of your eyes is green, cat-like and surrounded by black, wrinkled skin. An object can remove this curse. Begin searching for it 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: Object - Table 13.

(T.13): You find out the object is stolen property. Unfortunately you only find out when you're caught with it in your possession and thrown into prison on Table 21.

(T.21): You serve out your term in prison until you are freed. You start with 10% less starting gold. Roll on Table 31 with a -5 modifier to the roll to see the effects of this imprisonment. Then seek out a friend or family after your release on Table 11.

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

(T.16): A friend manages to scrape together enough money to buy your freedom, but they want something in return. Find out what 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): You are scheduled for execution, but at the last moment a noble decides to intervene and buy your freedom if you serve them. Roll on Table 33.

(T.33): You come to view the noble as a good friend. You have proficiency in Insight and Persuasion. The noble asks you, as a friend, for help on Table 18.

(T.18): A member of your family is slated for execution and your friend wants to help YOU rescue them. You succeed, but now you have to flee on Table 19.

(T.19): You manage to shake your pursuers who appear to give up, for now. You will have proficiency in Stealth. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 22
Your age is MIDDLE-AGED
The beginning of physical decline.
+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 CHA, -1 STR, -1 DEX, -1 CON

Proficiencies:
Persuasion
Investigation
10% Less Starting Gold
Survival
Athletics
Insight
Stealth