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 scholar and teacher. You will have proficiency in History.

(T.2): Two brothers.

(T.3): Your family is ensorcelled. A wizard offers to help remove the spell, but only if you help them out in exchange. Roll on 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): Fate interrupts your flight on Table 17.

(T.17): A violent storm forces you to seek shelter from a location on Table 8.

[d20 = 7]
(T.8): A grove sacred to a community of dryads and treants. Roll a d20 now. If lower than 12, they curse you for your transgression. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): One of your hands is a twisted and scaly claw. You have no idea how to remove this ailment, and your life of adventuring begins with you still seeking an answer.


Total Rolls: 9
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
History