If I am using a character that can use mastermind and i give him the feat "damage shield", would the attacker still take the damage from the successful close combat attack on the mastermind character even if i transfer the damage to a pog or other character? thanks in advance.
also, PLEASE, no opinions, just facts. I just got done reading the ghost widow, AP, Armor Wars thread and that was exhausting. good poiints on both sides, but I'm just interested in the ruling. again, thanks in advance.

This should work as you hope. First, the feat text:

Since a successful attack is one that hits the target, not necessarily one that deals damage, the use of Mastermind does not negate the use of Damage Shield. As precedent, the ruling on Stunning Blow vs. Mastermind says that while the target character may transfer the damage, they do not transfer the token. Therefore, they are still the target of the attack, despite the fact that they have "shunted" the damage elsewhere. Because Damage Shield triggers on a successful close combat attack (including close combat mind control, incap, etc,) Damage Shield on the Mastermind using figure WOULD trigger, even if the damage is transferred to a teammate.

The final rule is that the character takes 2 damage. (90% sure )

I agree. Damage Shield simply requires a successful close combat attack targeting the character with the feat. If said character had MM it could deal the attack damage to another figure normally per MM while the DS would deal damage back on the attacker. This is different from Mystics/Arachnos as they require the figure with the TA to take damage from an attack rather than simply be the target of a successful attack.

Now, if you tried to MM onto a figure that has DS it will not trigger, as MM is not an attack. But DS on a MM figure should be fine.

that's what i thought, and also, if i added an armor piercing it would go through all damage reducers, right?

Yes indeed. AP is Damage Shield's best friend.

100%

And, yes, your MM would get to use his damage shield. Unlike Mystics, which triggers off being damaged, DS triggers on being hit

So, just for clarity's sake, a close combat attack dealing 0 damage (for whatever reason) would also trigger Damage Shield, right?

so if i have armor wars ap and ds, that deals 2? sweet.