If you want to play an illusionist, play an illusionist! The whole point of a ruleset this loose, is that you can do what you want.
I'd do (something) like this (sketch of first 6 levels):
Race: Venerable Dragonwrought Kobold Loredrake
Build:Stalwart Sorcerer 6\\
Paladin 2/Monk 2/Rogue 2/
FeatsFlaw:
Flaw: (Some feat from AEG: Feats or Ultimate Feats that gives you more known spells based on your casting attribute ... I don't remember the name, but both books have a feat like this. The low number of spells known is the bane of a sorcerer's existance)
1st: Dragonwrought Kobold (Races of the Dragon ... I think)
3rd: Ascetic Sorcerer (Complete Adventurer)
5th: Bonus fighter feat from Rogue - improved initiative
6th: Bonus fighter feat from Rogue - Improved Toughness
6th: Draconic Reservoir (web enhancement:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060420a)
Options:Divine Companion - give up familiar, be able to spend spell slots for bonus to save and AC. (Complete Champion). Buy many 1st level Eternal Wands (Magic Item Compendium) to fuel this.
Venerable Age - dragonwrought means that you are a true dragon, and thus don't take aging pentalties, so start at venerable to get extra Cha.
Loredrake - as a true dragon (from dragonwrought) there is an option in Dragon's of Eberron to get an extra +2 CL as a sorcerer
Greater Draconic Ritual - at 6th level you get an extra sorcerer caster level basically in exchange for a Feat and a few hit points. See this web enhancement:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060420aSpell Reflection - from Complete Mage. Instead of Evasion from the Monk, since it doesn't do anything for you.
Feat Rogue - from SRD (
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#rogue) 2 fighter feats instead of 1D6 Sneak attack.
Stalwart Sorcerer - not everyone likes it, but I think it does make you much less squishy, even though you do have to give up a spell slot.
You get at start:5th level Sorcerer casting, good HP, good spells known, CHA to Saves. Good stats
You get at 6th level:9th level sorcerer casting
Good stats
Cha to saves
Cha to AC
Evasion
Spell Reflection
etc.
After that ...Now that you are pretty tough, start to improve you abilities as an illusionist however your like.
Potentially:
Hexblade dip for CHA to saves again and Mettle
Warblade Dip for Ironheart surge and save re-dos
Nightmare spinner for bonus illusion spells
Shadow Adept (bonus illusion feats)
Over all 6th level summary:Assuming Cha = 18 + 3 racial + 1 level = 22 = +6
HP = + 12 Stalwart Sorcerer, + 6 Improved Toughness = +18
AC = +6 CHA + (9?) Divine Companion (if needed) = +15
Saves = +6 CHA + (9?) Divine Companion (if needed) = +15
Evasion
Spell Reflection
9th level Sorcerer Casting.
The main point is that you are effective (very good Cha, 9th level casting at 6th level), but also very tough. If this is too strong, just don't use the divine companion.
Alternatively:Wizard 5 + - wizards have a couple of good substitution levels for illusionists. You can take gnome substitution levels as well
You just have to be more careful, as you'll be more fragile.
Best,
David