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 an executioner.

(T.102): One of your parents was a bodyguard.

(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): Your bumbling attempt at a spell sets the tower on fire. The exasperated wizard teleports you away to Table 8.

(T.8): A secret bandit hideout. They left some gold lying around which you take. You will have +10% starting gold. However, now you have to escape them on Table 19.

(T.19): With the constant need to evade those who pursue you, you develop a lack of trust and are always trying to suss out everybody's intentions. You will have proficiency in Insight. Roll on Table 8 to see where you eventually end up.

(T.8): A friend's home. They are conspicuous by there absence. You begin searching for them on Table 11.

(T.11): You turn up nothing. Your life of adventure begins with no progress made in this search.


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:
10% More Starting Gold
Insight