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

Released September 22, 2002

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 Released November 14, 2003

The Old God has left the world and the pretenders are awakening and coming out from hiding. You start the game by designing one of the pretender gods that will compete for true ascension to godhood. The type of god can range from a magically powerful arch mage to an ancient kraken or a mystic monolith that people pray to. Dominions 3 is a turn based strategy game taking place in a fantasy world with world altering magic rituals and horrors capable of destroying nations. A large variety of spells, monsters and special abilities is something this game definitely has. There are more than 60 different nations, 1500 different units, 600 spells and 300 magic items in the game. The game also features a medieval musical score by Erik Ask Uppmark and Anna Rynefors, both awarded the title of Musicians of the Realm by the Swedish Zornmärkeskommiten. Dominions 3 is a highly detailed game and a 300 page pdf manual is included in the download.

from: http://illwinter.com/dom3/index.html