Illusions don't do jack. Just fun so far. Well, becoming a gnome shrinks you. If you're a gnome becoming tall lets you see over grass. That's about it.
You may want to read other posts before becoming an illusionist or coercer at all. Apparently "power gamers" have bought into this idea that all forms of enchanter stink. Okay, you need an enchanter for a "few" fights, they say, like to mez the boss on some access quests, for instance - so you can take out the minions - then kill the boss. But apparently they don't want you mezzing much or at all. They want AoE on full blast and no diddle-daddling w/ mez. They say that taunt and area taunt works so well that in most cases you just don't need mez. Are they right? I don't think so. But a lot of players buy into this.
I've talked to a large number of players who have dropped their enchanter/coercer/illusionist because they literally couldn't get groups. Groups want a tant, a healer and 4 dps in many cases, or a tank, 2 healers, and 3 dps.
We may be angling for an FFXi-styled 'optimized group' - which may very well be a tank, a healer and four wizards.
If these people are right, EQ2 has designed a game where a whole class is superfluous. Before you go this way, just know that there is some heavy prejudice against your class out there. Read these boards and others. Post - go into your server of choice and ask other illusionist/coercers if they get groups easily. Just make sure for your own sake - I've heard too many people say that so far EQ2 is giving this group of classes the short shrift. And that is very upsetting to me.