That 12 was for Ability Score. laugh
I was using same format as you did in quoted part. wink

In my mind it was:

Ability 12 = +1 Modifier ...
Expretise = Prof 2 * 2 = 4 ...
Therefore Ability 12 should be enough for character to preform task of Dif. 5 on level 1. laugh

I still dont understand why cant we change Race for our hirelings. frown
Lets us play Githyanki as racist as they trully are! frown