Step 1: Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the height of the triangle:
\[ \text{Hypotenuse}^2 = \text{Base}^2 + \text{Height}^2 \]
\[ 13^2 = 12^2 + \text{Height}^2 \]
\[ 169 = 144 + \text{Height}^2 \]
Step 2: Solving for the height:
\[ \text{Height}^2 = 169 - 144 = 25 \]
\[ \text{Height} = 5 \text{ cm} \]
Step 3: The area of the triangle is:
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{Base} \times \text{Height} \]
\[ = \frac{1}{2} \times 12 \times 5 = 30 \text{ cm}^2 \]