[pmarreck]

There are languages that compile to Lua. Have you investigated those? For example, you can use a TypeScript syntax and pick up free typechecking along the way: https://typescripttolua.github.io/

There's also the venerable MoonScript: https://moonscript.org/

And YueScript, a personal fave: https://yuescript.org/doc/

A whole list: https://github.com/hengestone/lua-languages

[gorjusborg]

Don't forget Fennel, if you are a Lisp lover!