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 undertaker.

(T.102): One or both of your parents were spies; and they raised you to become a spy as well. After determining whether you have siblings by getting a result from Table 2, proceed to Table 29 instead of proceeding to Table 3 as normal.

    >>>> (T.2): You were separated from your siblings at birth. Re-roll on this table to determine who they were, ignoring a result of 1, 2 or 20

(T.29): You get close to your targets, but get too close: you fall in love with one of them. When you reveal or let slip the truth, they don't take it well and you have to flee on Table 19.

(T.19): Fate interrupts your flight on Table 17.

(T.17): You have one to many drinks at a tavern and become involved in a brawl on Table 23.

(T.23): You manage to fight or sneak your way out of the fight before the law shows up. You either have proficiency in Athletics or Stealth. Roll on Table 8 to see where you lay low.

(T.8): A military camp. You are drafted to Table 22.

(T.22): Your unit and an enemy unit end up in a stand-off. Try negotiate a truce on 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): Your 'service' is actually as a slave. Roll on Table 16.

(T.16): In what seems like an act of divinity, a disaster slaughters nearly all your captors. You travel to Table 27 to pay respect to the god that you believe is responsible for your freedom.

(T.27): You behave in an offensive way. The god(s) are angered and curse you. Roll on Table 7.

(T.7): You were cursed to never again taste food or experience any joy from music or song. Can you find the information you need to lift this curse on Table 11?

(T.11): In your search, you turn up the activities of a villain. Roll on Table 5 to determine which villain. Then try escape their wrath on Table 19.

    >>>> (T.5): A troll.

(T.19): You are captured and (re)sold into slavery. Go to Table 16.

(T.16): You lead a slave revolt! Too bad it is brutally crushed. If you got this result a second time, your captors decide you are more trouble than you are worth, and leave you to die of exposure on Table 24.

(T.24): You survive by honing your hunting and trapping skills. You will have proficiency in Nature and Survival. With these new skills, you return a stronger person and your life of adventure begins.


Total Rolls: 19
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:
Athletics or Stealth
Persuasion
Nature
Survival