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 merchant.

(T.2): Two stepsiblings, each with a different parent.

(T.3): You were apprenticed or sent to be trained. Roll on Table 4 to determine who by or what as.

(T.4): You may have missed your chance earlier, but this time you are definitely joining the circus on Table 30.

[d20 = 3]
(T.30): An escape artist: no easy task. Roll 2 d20's. However, if either roll is less than 12, your act is less impressive, but still a member of a criminal group takes interest in you; proceed to Table 26.

(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): Impersonating a noble or other famous individual.

(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 = 1]
(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): You were cursed with a kiss that nauseates and chills any who lock lips with you. You need to find a person to lift this affliction on Table 11.

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


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: