Random Backgrounds

Unlike many of my tables, I'll try to make this one more general so it can be used over and over. This means it will require a lot more spur-of-the-moment icing from the DM (or player, depending on how it's used.) With that in mind, I may keep working to expand it a bit, probably in the style of Zak's multi-part tables in Vornheim. One thing about the table: the emphasis is on prior, so some glaring occupational holes exist where a background would necessitate a more profound effect on the character's current lifestyle. Also, if a background is more common in your milieu, have it occupy more spots in the table. Remember when doing so that it signifies a background which is both commonly held, and commonly left behind (thus the 'prior'.)

Prior Character Background

1. Disgraced Noble
2. Military
3. Sailor
4. Travelling Merchant
5. Shopkeeper
6. Caravan Guard
7. Servant
8. Bandit
9. Farmer
10. Farmer
11. Farmer
12. Builder
13. Clergy
14. Fisherman
15. Woodsman
16. Beggar
17. Entertainer
18. Laborer
19. Laborer
20. Courier
21. Miner
22. Husbandman
23. Disgraced Scholar
24. Criminal
25. Criminal
26. Criminal
27. Student
28. Civil Servant
29. Scribe
30. Professional Crowdgoer
31. Town Guard
32. Tanner
33. Miller
34. Military
35. Courtesan
36. Bon Vivant

What did I miss? Remember that entries like 'builder' can mean anything from carpenter to mason to boatwright. Also, I've avoided professions like blacksmith and jeweler, since they would have a more profound effect on the character's current life and abilities. Some things, like 'scholar' or 'wizard' probably wouldn't have much turnover.

-Edited to add some suggestions from comments. Town Guard could mean any police-like or security-related job. Civil Servant would include such jobs as the much-storied rat catcher. A Disgraced Scholar could be any teacher, scientist, historian, etc. A Husbandman could be any animal-related job, such as stableboy. A Shopkeeper is anyone employed in a storefront: butcher, baker, candlestick maker, barber, chemist, etc. A tinker, for example, could either be a Shopkeeper or a Travelling Merchant.