So I guess my question is, if I start the Dreadlord campaign will it have the features implemented with Dark Avataar? (new graphics, asteroid mining, tech requirements for colonisation ect) and if not, where would you recommend a complete noob starts Should I just jump straight into dark avataar?
No it won't, you'll only get those with the Dark Avatar. Personally I never bothered with the campaigns, I just jumped into the sand box mode, as everyone seems to call it. You might want to consider that as well. It will give you access to all the features and nuances right off the bat. As I understand it, the campaign is sometimes limited as to what you have avialable. I certainly noticed that checking out the first Dreadlords campaign. I won it without really or understanding anything.
One more thing, I currently do not have the internet at home where the game is installed, and I cant seem to find anywhere to manually download and apply the latest patch. The only one I can find on the main sight is only version 1.40x Does this mean I cannot get 1.50x? If thats the case I will be extremely dissapointed.
I'm afraid you're out of luck there. The patch is only available through Stardock Central and you need an internet connection in order to access it. If you don't have your own connection there is a way you can get the file on another machine and transfer it to yours, if you have a friend/family member who will let you install the software. From there you'll be able to activate through email later. You give them some code, they'll send you a file you stick in your folder.