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 lawyer. You will have proficiency in Persuasion.

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

(T.2): An older sister.

(T.3): You are press-ganged. Roll on Table 34

(T.34): You are unwillingly forced into a life of piracy as the lowest mate on board. See how the life treats you on Table 31, then roll on this table again.

    >>>> (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.34): Pirates attack the ship and you are captured and sold into slavery on 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 needs help in illegal activites: roll on Table 15. You succeed, but the local criminal organization is alerted to your unsanctioned activities. Find out the consequences of Table 26.

    >>>> (T.15): Rabble-Rousing/Rebellion.

(T.26): You're given a job, roll on Table 15 to see what. However, you mess it up and are caught. The guild manages to pull enough strings to prevent you going straight to prison, but you have to escape the law on your own. Flee on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.15): Rabble-Rousing/Rebellion.

(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: 13
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:
Persuasion
Survival
Athletics
Stealth