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): An older brother.

(T.3): You eloped. Scandalous! Roll on Table 12 to see how this worked out.

(T.12): The person is a villain. Roll on Table 5 to see what kind of villain, then roll on Table 9 to move against them.

    >>>> (T.5): A wizard.

(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: 8
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
Animal Handling
Mount of your choice (same level or lower)