The Rokugani believe that all of reality is organized into five Elements—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Void—and it is from these that the "five rings" of the title are derived. Accordingly, this site is divided into five sections, each discussing a different aspect of Legend of the Five Rings.

The Book of Air contains basic information on the world of Rokugan. It includes a brief century-by-century history of the Emerald Empire, a discussion of Rokugani culture, beliefs, and customs, and specific discussion of the eight Great Clans who dominate the Empire's history and conflicts.

The Book of Earth contains the basic rules of the game. It explains the fundamental mechanics of playing Legend of the Five Rings, including the role and importance of the five Elemental Rings, the various die-rolling mechanics, and the essential rules of combat, dueling, and other actions.

The Book of Fire contains the basic character creation rules and offers detailed discussions of how to make an assortment of basic character types from each of the eight Great Clans. It also offers a full list of Skills, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Spells for use in the game.

The Book of Water contains advanced and optional rules, rules which the GM and players can decide to use or ignore as they please. These rules add more variety and customization options to the game. They include information on playing a character from one of the Minor Clans or Imperial Families, and a variety of special mechanics such as Alternate Paths, Advanced Schools, Kata, Kiho, Ancestors, and the sinister secrets of black magic (also known as maho) and the Shadowlands Taint.

Finally, the Book of Void contains rules and information for the GM. There is an extended discussion of different ways to construct adventures and campaigns for L5R, as well as rules for monsters and natural creatures, a basic selection of such creatures with which to challenge the players, and a sample adventure with which to start out your Legend of the Five Rings gaming experience.