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 noble. You will have +25% starting gold and proficiency in Insight.

(T.102): 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): Cheating at gambling.

(T.2): A younger brother.

(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 make a convincing argument and win the respect of those who hear it. You will have proficiency in Persuasion. A noble comes to know of your skill and hires you on Table 33.

(T.33): The noble becomes confidant of your economic aptitude. You will have proficiency in Insight. You begin becoming actively involved in merchant business on the noble's behalf on Table 6.

(T.6): After seeing your "skills" as a salesman, you are put on caravan guard duty indefinitely. Roll on Table 20.

(T.20): Nothing exciting happens and you are literally so bored that you pass out at the next stop. When you wake up, the caravan has vanished. Roll on Table 8 to see where you were abandoned.

(T.8): A trade city by a river. You try your hand at a merchant lifestyle on Table 6.

(T.6): "We could totally make more money if we become smugglers". Explore the criminal element on Table 26.

(T.26): You preform well-enough, but the group is still not sure about your loyalties, even if they do pay you. You have +10% starting gold. Re-roll on this table.

(T.26): You preform well-enough, but the group is still not sure about your loyalties, even if they do pay you. If you get this result again the group decides to make you a proper member. You will have proficiency in Sleight of Hand. Your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 15
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:
25% More Starting Gold
Insight
Intimidation
Persuasion
10% More Starting Gold
Sleight of Hand