Or a brief history of the fan community by Maerlande.

//Dominions: Priests Prophets & Pretenders is a turn based fantasy game in which you take the role of a pretending god.

Each pretender is Lord and Master of one of fourteen cultures, each with its own individual strengths and weaknesses. With the aid of soldiers and mages you will conquer the lands of your neighbors in a struggle for total domination.

Priests and prophets will preach throughout the world to spread your dominion, the manifestation of your divine supremacy.// from http://illwinter.com/dom/index.html

I can not comment on the fan community of this time as I was not a member. If someone else can, please join.

//Dominions II: The Ascension Wars is a turn based fantasy game in which you take the role of a pretending god. It's the sequel to Dominions: Priests, Prophets & Pretenders.

Each pretender is Lord and Master of one of seventeen cultures, each with its own individual strengths and weaknesses. With the aid of soldiers and mages you will conquer the lands of your neighbors in a struggle for total domination.

Priests and prophets will preach throughout the world to spread your dominion, the manifestation of your divine supremacy.// fromhttp://illwinter.com/dom2/index.html