hope this helps. from the thread, the +100% boost with Hireling gets split between the 2, so +50% each, then then there is a penalty depending on if there is a level difference between the characters. when I was ascending my Hireling, my Main was level 99, and Hireling level 1, the Hireling experience bonus was +.4%. that was with both Characters having 6 Quest Stones on their gears. it the bonus went up when the Hireling leveled up, but that is the way it is.