Updating PDF variables via PDF forms

[J-D-F]

Hello,

I'm looking to create a PDF document with text variables. This could be a document from scratch or a document that is pre-made and updated. My problem is that there are so many platforms and websites trying to sell me drag and drop products or enterprise solutions for document creation and management, that I'm not interested in using. I'm having a hard time understanding what the environment would look like, and the best way to manipulate the document. I've attached a file that has internal data and variables, it's way more complicated than what I want to do, however, it illustrates what I'd like to accomplish. 

Barring a self-contained PDF, in a nutshell, the functionality I'm looking for would be a text input update to the file (think MadLibs generator, type a verb and it populates the document). It needs to be a simple form with text boxes, dropdowns, etc. that will create a new or populate an existing PDF from input and a database, XML or static data via a PDF form or even a web page, or generated via URL, and I'm having a tough time figuring out where to start.

[J-D-F]

Ok, I discovered AEM Forms components, so I'm assuming that is the beginning of the path. Is there a way through any of the CC apps to build the functionality I mention above? For instance, is there a way to create a PDF in Adobe Illustrator or InDesign and add the variables and functions to export as a PDF?